ABERYSTWYTH, WALES.- The Aberystwyth Arts Centre at the University of Wales, presents BP Portrait Award, on view through May 14, 2005. The BP Portrait Award is a highly successful annual competition aimed at encouraging young artists (under the age of forty) to focus on and develop the theme of portraiture within their work. The overall winner this year was Stephen Shankland’s ‘The Miracle’, a portrait of the artist’s wife and son. Shankland won the coveted prize of £25,000, and also a special commission. “Shankland’s ‘The Miracle’ is exquisitely painted; it is an emotional painting and a worthy winner in a year in which there was very tough competition. Painted portraiture is going strong. This year’s entry shows that there are many talented young artists coming through.” Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery. Over fifty compelling paintings have been selected for exhibition, from a record 958 entries, offering an exciting view of contemporary portraiture. The Artist Exhibition is organised by the National Portrait Gallery.