THE buzz was unmistakably exciting at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) in Hamilton City Hall. It was brought on by students from all over the island, accompanied by their teachers and parents for the culmination of the 4th Annual Student Art Competition. A total of 774 students entered portraits they had painted of themselves, in the competition organized by the BNG on this year's theme "How Do I See Myself." All of the entries will be on display at City Hall until January 15.

At the certificates and prizes to top winners, BNG Director, Laura T. Gorham described as "phenomenal." the response of the art teachers, parents and student artists. A draw was held for the lucky teacher and student, each of whom won a free roundtrip ticket to New York courtesy of American Airlines. All winners received prizes from BELCO, sponsors of the competition.

Dale Butler, acting as Minister of Education, congratulated the winners as he handed them their certificates. He singled out for special praise the Education Director, Ms. Judy Wong who went to each of the participating schools to facilitate the island-wide competition that was drawn on the BNG's autumn exhibition, "Rembrandt Etchings: The Impressions of a Genius." It was held in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of the artist.

"Ms. Wong went to the schools to stimulate the study of the Rembrandt self-portrait theme and to promote discussion of character development," said the Minister. He added, "from the art on display tin the Gallery it is quite clear that every one of the 774 students is an artist." "My message to you as creators of this art on display is to forever keep the artist alive in you. Always look beyond seeing things as they first appear. Look for inspiration and truth. Celebrate your uniqueness and individuality, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't be an artist," Minister Butler told the budding young artists. He quoted Pablo Picasso who once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Winners of the 2007 BELCO Student Art Competition are as follows:

Primary 3 1st place CAROLINE MUSICANT, 7, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation; 2nd place, JORDAN SLADE, 6, Cavendish; 3rd place, HAILEY QUIG, 7, BHS. Honourable mention, ELLA BURT, 7, BHS

Primary 4 - 1st. RICA HAWLEY, 8, BHS' 2nd MIKAELA JOY KAWALEY LATHAN, 8, Saltus Junior School; 3rd NIQUE ARMSTRONG, Purvis Primary. Hon. Mention, KACY MILAN BUTTERFIELD, Gilbert Institute

Primary 5 -1st ETHAN PHILIP, 9, Warwick Academy; 2nd MARGARET GOVERN, BHS; 3rd AANIKA RAHMAN, 9, BHS. Hon. Mentions: ANNA CUTLER, BHS; KRISTIN DILL, 9, BHS; RHIANNON FLETCHER, 9, BHS.

Primary 6 -1st OLIVIA LUNN, 10, Somersfield Academy; 2nd; RAYAN RAY, 10, Purvis Primary; 3rd. DANIELLE ONYIA, Paget Primary. Hon. Mention Graham Cooke, 10, Warwick Academy. Graham Cooke, 10, Warwick Academy. Middle School - 1st. EMMA BORDER, 11, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation; 2nd; SAJNI RICHARDSON, 11, Warwick Academy; 3rd. RIAN LONGWORTH, 12, Learning Express Academy.

Senior School -1st DOMICO WATSON, 14, Centre for Talented Youth; 2nd. RILEY MELLO, 14, BHS; 3rd. KEVIN SIMMONS, 15, Saltus Senior School. Hon. Mentions: SCHUYLER RUBERRY, 16, Saltus Senior School; SARAH RUSSO, 15, BHS; MADISON BREWER, 14, BHS; RICO BEEK, 15, Berkeley Institute; AVERY MARTINS, 13, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation.