The final 12 entries for this year’s Mourant Art prize are now on display at the airport. (0687757)

FINALISTS’ artwork is on show for this year’s Mourant art prize.

The 12 short-listed entries will be exhibited at Guernsey Airport until 11 January – and it is now down to the public to decide who will win.

The successful artist will receive £1,000 along with the title of Mourant Artist of the Year.

‘This is a celebration of local artists and this sort of initiative needs to be supported and encouraged. The competition is now in its third year and judging was even more difficult than usual,’ said chairman of the judges, local artist Eric Snell.

Almost 200 entries had been received for the competition. These were then short listed to 12. Kate Knivett, art teacher at St Sampson’s High School, is one shortlisted with her painting The Escapee.

She produced the piece at the beginning of her summer holidays and decided to enter into this year’s competition.

‘It has been hanging over my fireplace, so there is a big gap there at the moment,’ she said.