Home Local News Skelmersdale artist wins top prize at Lancashire Open Exhibition 2019

Skelmersdale artist wins top prize at Lancashire Open Exhibition 2019

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Prize winners Beata Wrobel, Andrew Robinson and Sarah Gilman are pictured with Deputy Mayor of West Lancashire Cllr Terry Aldridge and Deputy Mayoress Margaret Ball. Photo by Gary Sargent at 127 media.com

The prestigious Lancashire Open Exhibition was unveiled at the Chapel Gallery in Ormskirk on Saturday 20 July.

This annual celebration of talent, from accomplished amateurs through to professional artists, has something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can see a variety of inspiring works created by talented individuals depicting a wide range of subjects.

Almost 450 artworks were considered for selection, submitted by artists from across the UK, with 190 now displayed for visitors to enjoy. The exhibition runs at the West Lancashire Borough Council-run Gallery until 4 September.

The selection process is entirely anonymous, with all the works judged by different guest selectors each year. This year, David Hancock and Tracy Hill, who are both established artists, curators and academics took on the task of choosing which works would be included in the final exhibition.

Several works of art received commendations and the overall winners were:

First Prize £800: Andrew Robinson (from Skelmersdale), Hello, Mr. Foster, Oil Painting

Second Prize £400: Beata Wrobel, Watchtower, Sculpture

Third Prize £200: Sarah Gilman, Escape, Oil Painting

Visitors can also vote for their own favourite to be awarded the People’s Prize, and all those who vote will be in with a chance to win a £50 cash prize.

If you’re interested in purchasing real artworks, rather than mass produced prints, the Open Exhibition is a great way to source original pieces to suit all budgets. Works range from small scale watercolours, prints and photography to large scale contemporary oil paintings, 3D art and textiles. Pieces can be purchased at very reasonable prices or through the Own Art Scheme, an interest free loan organised through Arts Council England.

Visitors can come to the gallery any time during opening hours to see the Open Exhibition, but if you would like a tour please contact the Gallery on 01695 571328 or email chapel.gallery@westlancs.gov.uk.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “The Open is one of the Gallery’s most popular exhibitions, where there really is something for everyone. There are free family-friendly gallery based activities available during every exhibition at the Chapel Gallery for people to explore, engage and enjoy, so don’t miss this fantastic event.”

The Gallery, on St Helens Road, is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The Gallery also has a café and craft shop, and admission is free.  For more information please visit www.chapelgallery.org.uk.

For more information on West Lancashire Borough Council events please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/events.

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