TALENTED contemporary artists from across the Midlands feature in a new exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
Rugby Open 23 includes dozens of pieces in different media, from paintings and prints to textiles and ceramics.
Artists from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Coventry were invited to submit pieces for the exhibition, with a panel of judges selecting works to go on display.
Julie Krajicek won first prize in the adult category for her Found Family series, comprising two pictures – The Pink Slippers and The Welcome. She has scooped a £1,000 prize and the chance to stage a solo exhibition at the venue’s Floor One Gallery.
Hope Bland’s painting My Friend The Enemy won first prize in the youth category for 14 to 19-year-olds, earning her a £250 prize.
Judges for Rugby Open 23 included Penny Johnson, former director of the Government Art Collection and now a trustee of the Bridget Riley Art Foundation, artist and printmaker Chris Orr, a member of the Royal Academy of Arts, Mayor Maggie O’Rourke, and Ella Humphrey, winner of the People’s Choice Award at Rugby Youth Open 22.
Katie Boyce, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s senior exhibitions and programming officer, said: “We received a bumper crop of entries to this year’s Open and the judges had a tough task to select the 240 pieces to feature in the exhibition.
“The Open offers up-and-coming artists a wonderful opportunity to exhibit work in a professional gallery setting, while visitors can discover the depth and breadth of artistic talent on our doorsteps.”
Rugby Open 23 runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Saturday February 3. During the exhibition’s run, visitors can cast votes to crown the winners of the People’s Choice Awards.
Visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information about exhibitions and events at the Art Gallery and Museum.
