A MINEHEAD man who has loved art ever since he started school in the town won the Up and Coming Artist Award 2017 at a prestigious ceremony held by the Fine Art Trade Guild last weekend.
Garry Floyd, 36, of Hillview Road, whose work sells all over the world, was selected first by a panel, then by public vote, to go forward for the award as one of five shortlisted artists from around the UK and internationally.
He and his fiancée Michelle Routley travelled to the glittering ceremony in Stratford upon Avon’s Crowne Plaza hotel ballroom.
And he was “shocked and speechless” when his name was called as winner of the category, voted for by the guild’s professional members.
“I’ve been following the awards for 12 years and thought it would be very nice to get a nomination one day – but to win a national award and gain recognition from the industry is a dream come true,” he said.
Garry was encouraged in his love of art by his parents and his teachers at both St Michael’s First School, where his five-year-old daughter Winnie now goes, and West Somerset College.