HOUSTON, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunting PLC announced that "Round Up" B.F. Smith & Son Saddlery Circa 1940-1942 by Fort Worth artist Marshall Harris is the winner of the $50,000 Hunting Art Prize for 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130506/DA07964)

The life-size graphite drawing was selected from over 100 finalists in the 33rd annual award program, which is sponsored by the global oil services company and is the most generous annual art prize in North America for painting and drawing.

The announcement came during an evening awards gala on Saturday, May 4, at the Friedkin Companies Campus, Gulf States Toyota, in Houston.

"Being recognized through this platform is such an extraordinary honor, and I couldn't be more thankful to Hunting for all they have done to expand and broaden the reach of so many artists through the course of this competition," said Harris. "The Hunting Art Prize has generously boosted the careers of some well-deserving individuals over the years, and it is very humbling, to say the least, to be included among such a strong and talented group of winners."

Harris explores texturally beautiful elements and subjects related to history, humanity, and social dynamics by creating elaborate, life-size drawings as well as large sculptural installations and assemblies using found objects, lighting, motors, sound, and video.

His works have been shown in a number of solo and group exhibitions throughout Texas and across the nation. His art is currently being displayed at the Mary Tomas Gallery in Dallas and the Sylvia White Gallery in Ventura, California.

Harris has been published on several occasions. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth as well as a Master of Fine Arts from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

For more information about the 2013 winner, visit: http://marshallharrisstudios.com

The Hunting Art Prize is open to amateur, up-and-coming, and established artists in Texas who are 18 years of age or older. This year's competition saw more than 1,600 entries from a number of cities and towns throughout the state. Submissions underwent a two-tiered jury process, after which nationally respected judges from Texas, Tennessee, and Delaware selected Harris' work as the winner.

On behalf of the 2013 competition, Hunting PLC will present a charitable contribution at an upcoming event to New Danville, a self-sustaining, master-planned community supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is the second consecutive year the nonprofit has been selected as the Hunting Art Prize charity.

For more information on the prize, visit www.huntingartprize.com.

About the 2013 Hunting Art Prize Charity
New Danville is a self-sustaining, master-planned community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, and work with their non-disabled peers. By bringing together like-minded individuals through educational programs and enrichment activities, the charitable organization provides a safe and caring environment that encourages independence and personal growth. For further information, visit http://newdanville.org/.

About Hunting PLC
Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing support solutions to the world's largest oil and gas concerns. Established in 1874, it is a fully listed public company, traded on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.hunting.plc.uk.

SOURCE Hunting PLC