A Limerick-born artist was today unveiled as a name for the future after winning one of the country's most sought-after art awards.
Diana Copperwhite picked up her €20,000 top prize as the winner of the prestigious AIB Prize 2007.
The painter, nominated for the award by the West Cork Arts Centre, will use the money to create new work for an exhibition next year.
She has previously studied at the Limerick School of Art and Design, the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and Winchester School of Art and Design.
Judges said the winning artist's subjects were identifiable, sometimes drawing on media images and at other times from her own experiences.
Eugene Sheehy, AIB Group chief executive, announced the winner in Dublin's Royal Hibernian Academy.
Three runners-up - Alan Phelan, Jennifer Trouton and Sean Lynch - each received an award of €1,500.
The AIB Prize identifies a promising Irish visual artist every year and helps launch their career.
