Artists invited to enter Open Exhibition 2024
Artists throughout the South West are invited to showcase their talents at this year's highly anticipated Ilminster Open Exhibition. The Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre will host the event from June 11 to July 5, 2024, offering participants the chance to win prizes and gain exposure in the vibrant arts community.
The submission deadline for entries is set for 6 pm on Saturday, May 3, online via the website.
The exhibition serves as a platform to honour the rich tapestry of creative expression among both established and emerging artists residing and practicing in the South West region.
A diverse range of mediums will be considered for display, including paintings, original prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, and textiles. However, photography submissions will not be accepted for this year's exhibition.
An esteemed panel of judges will choose the selection, striving to represent a balanced array of artistic genres. This years Judges will include Stewart Geddes, Anna Morris and Chris Ackerman.
Stewart Geddes is a painter who has exhibited both nationally and internationally. He is a Past President of the Royal West of England Academy (RWA), and is an Honorary Academician of the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.
Anna Morris is an artist whose work explores the transient effects of light, investigating mark-making and landscape through print, painting and collage. Anna completed an MA in Fine Art at Wimbledon College (University of the Arts London) and has been an Art teacher for many years. She has exhibited in galleries in the UK such as the Irving Gallery and the Wiseman Gallery in Oxford.
Chris Ackerman is a painter and former Trustee of the Arts Centre.
Judges will be assisted by 3d expert and Art Centre Representative, Mike Lanigan.
A total of £750 in prize money will be awarded, including a Visitors' Choice prize, voted by visitors to the exhibition.
There's also a category to celebrate the work of emerging artists. The prize will include 12 months' free membership of Somerset Art Works and exposure on its website.
All chosen works will be available for sale during the exhibition, with the requirement that they have not been previously displayed at Ilminster Arts Centre.
Bryony Tidball, the Arts Centre Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "The South West is teeming with boundless creativity and artistic brilliance. We eagerly anticipate showcasing works of the highest calibre that inspire and provoke thought."
"We encourage a diverse range of painters, sculptors, and craft makers to participate. In addition to this years Open, winners will have the opportunity to feature in our Prize Winners' Exhibition in 2025."
The Ilminster Open Exhibition 2024 is supported by Somerset Art Works, a countywide agency dedicated to developing the visual arts, and sponsored by local firm Branston.
Established nearly three decades ago by artist and illustrator Mary Atherton, Ilminster Arts Centre stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment within the community.
For further details regarding the Ilminster Open Exhibition 2024 and to submit your entry, please visit the link below.