The winners of the Paint for Parkinson’s 2008 Awards were recently announced during an exclusive Private View at West London’s premier contemporary arts venue, PM Gallery.

The awards were organised by Soula Zavacopoulos, renowned designer and founder of The London Studio, to raise money for people with Parkinson’s Disease and encourage creativity in children.

Soula launched the competition to schools in West London last October. Youngsters aged 8 – 18, contributed festive, winter-themed works to the charity art show and over 30 shortlisted and winning artworks went on display at the PM Gallery from 10th December 2008 – 5th January 2009.

Says Soula: “My grandmother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was my inspiration for organizing this competition. Currently there is no cure, so events like this are vitally important as they help put money into research and help people who are suffering with the disease. I’m delighted with the response and high standard of entries. It’s wonderful to see so many talented children get involved and help raise funds for Parkinson’s though their creativity.”

Soula, who was recently nominated for two 'Henries Awards' – the “Oscars” of the greeting card industry – gave the three “Gold” winning entrants an extra special gift… she created and published their artworks as greeting cards.

Says Soula: “The children were thrilled to receive packs of cards featuring their own artwork to send out to their friends and family. Although we had some other really fantastic prizes it was the greeting cards that created the most excitement amongst contestants and non-contestants alike. I publish my own ranges of greeting cards so I know first-hand the excitement of seeing your work in print! There’s nothing that compares – you feel so proud, especially when they sell well. We had the winners’ cards on sale at the gallery, with all proceeds given to the Parkinson’s Disease Society and on the opening night alone we sold out of almost all the designs!”

Over £300 worth of other prizes were donated by other local businesses, arts centres and larger stores such as Watersones, M&S and Tesco - who also provided refreshments for the opening night, together with Soula’s Mum and aunt who baked cakes for the children.

The best performing school was St.Benedict’s Junior School in Ealing, West London - all the judges were extremely impressed with the very high standard of work from St.Benedict’s and several of their students won prizes, including Alex Powell, 10 years old, who won GOLD in the 8-10 year old category and had his artwork (below) turned into a Christmas card by The London Studio.