The Shepton Vignettes competition has extended its closing date to Friday, 7 February, giving artists and photographers more time to capture the essence of Shepton Mallet and its surrounding countryside.

Organised by the SMart team, the event encourages creativity inspired by light, shadow, and silhouette, focusing on iconic buildings, landscapes, and townscapes during the atmospheric winter season.

Participants of all ages are invited to submit their drawings, paintings, sketches, or photographs, with the only requirement being that the subject features Shepton Mallet or its surrounding countryside. Prizes are available in three age categories, with younger entrants aged 11 and under receiving one-to-one tuition with a professional artist. The 12 to 17 age group has the chance to win £250, while adult winners will receive £400 for the best painting or drawing and £400 for the best photograph.

All entries will be displayed during the Shepton Snowdrop Festival in an exhibition at Create@#8 on Town Street, running from Thursday, 20 February, to Saturday, 22 February. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for a People's Prize, which will be awarded to the piece with the most public votes. The SMart team also plans to publish many of the entries in a book scheduled for release in 2025, offering a lasting tribute to Shepton Mallet's creativity and heritage.

Entrants must submit their work flat and loosely mounted on board. Photographs should be at least 8" x 6" and mounted on board, although larger sizes are encouraged for greater visual impact in the exhibition. All entries must include the artist's name, age category, and contact details, with submissions to be dropped off at Create@#8 on Friday, 7 February, or Saturday, 8 February, between 10 am and 1 pm.

The competition, supported by Shepton Mallet Town Council, Shepton Community Bookshop, and Somerset Community Foundation, aims to celebrate the town's history, pride, and artistic spirit. Judges will evaluate entries on their ability to capture the essence of Shepton Mallet and inspire pride in its people. Details about the judging panel will be announced soon.

For those inspired by the early morning light, frost-covered trees, or the striking silhouettes of the town's iconic architecture, this competition offers an opportunity to celebrate Shepton Mallet's unique charm. Whether you're a local or visitor, this is your chance to showcase your vision of the town and its surrounding landscapes. Visit Create@#8 or contact the SMart team for more information.