Open Art 2007

 SUCCESSFUL OPENING FOR OPEN ART 2007

(Sponsored by Artcetera)

At the Red House Museum Christchurch

On now until Monday August 27th

Organised by Christchurch and District Arts Council

Succesful Open

Guests at the Preview of Open Art 2007 on Saturday 7th July were bowled over by the high standard and immense variety of work displayed at the Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch.

The first prize, awarded by CADArts, was presented by Stella Jackson Smith, Vice President, to Joan Scott for her sensitive mixed media ‘A Time and Place’

The Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Josie Spencer presented further CADArts  Prizes to Sarah George (Designer Bookbinder) and Jenny Pickering (Textile Artist) whilst   Artcetera, who also sponsored the event, made awards to Virginia Gilmore (Watercolours), Cliff Taylor (Acrylics) and Barbara-Joan Kent (Pastels).

Alison Carter, Head of Hampshire Museum Services, selected Carol Dowsett (Textile Artist) as the Museum Prize Winner and Carol will be having an exhibition at the Museum at a later date.  There is also  a Visitors’ Choice prize for the most popular piece which will be awarded at the end of the exhibition (27th August).

Prize Winners

CADArts PRIZES    Trophy + £150 Joan Scott (Chairman of Boscombe Art Circle)

2nd Prize + £50     Jennie Pickering (Textiles)

2nd Prize + £50     Sarah George (Bookbinders Guild)

MUSEUM PRIZE    

Solo exhibition in the Graham Robertson Gallery

Carol Dowsett, founder of Two Square Feet Textile Group

ARTCETERA AWARDS   

Virginia Gilmore                   Water colour

Barbara-Joan Kent                 Mixed Media

Chris Taylor                            Oil/Acrylic

As a voluntary organisation CADArts have been at the forefront of promoting the arts in Christchurch and surrounding districts for many years but this is the first time they have organised an Open Exhibition.  This has been a major undertaking for Linda Patterson, Chairman, and her helpers as the response from artists has been tremendous.

The independent panel of judges had a very difficult task making their selection from so many entries but, after much deliberation, over 140 paintings, photos and textiles have been chosen and hung, together with sculptures, and bookbinding.

Linda commented “The standard of entries has been exceptionally high and the number we have received shows that there is a very real demand for this type of Open exhibition in the area.  We would love to have been able to hang more.”

So do go along to the Red House Museum in Quay Road  (admission free) and see Christchurch’s answer to the Royal Academy Summer Show!  

Brenda Weeks

None of us imagined the response we were to receive when we embarked on the Open Art Exhibition. We were overwhelmed by nearly four hundred entries submitted by artists from across five counties.   There was even a work sent from China.   As a huge amount of entry forms were sent be email requested through our web-site, it is obviously a wonderful source of getting information out to the wider public, especially when it possibly interests artists from the other side of the world. There was a cut off date for entries and had this not been so there would have been a greater number. My phone rang all week, even on the morning of hand-in from artists asking to submit work. They were of course refused, in fact any entries that arrived after the closing date were returned.

The intake and selection process was quite a challenge, especially given the limited space we had to work in. Our Judging panel had the daunting task of deciding on the work that would eventually be exhibited. I was pleased to step back from this process and take no part as it certainly is not the way to retain friends! That said, every one I know who submitted work that was not selected have taken it in good humour. The word ‘open’ means just that, everyone’s work is up for selection and artists like myself have all in the past taken part in exhibitions like this sometimes with success and other times not. So, like every one else, I know the highs and the lows.

We were delighted with the final result. Once the work was on the walls and the panels and all the sculptures and ceramics were in place, we were able to step back and admire the fruits of our work. I had some wonderful help from committee members and friends throughout the week of setting up, all of whom have been thanked individually. You need a really good team when taking on a project like this.

The Private View was very well attended, really crowded at times and it was wonderful that the sun shone and visitors were able to spill out into the courtyard and enjoy some wine.

Prizes and awards were presented to a number of artists whose names are listed below.

Linda Patterson (Chairman)