Record entry for Northumberland Open
Winner announced as 379 artworks go on show at Woodhorn Museum
The annual Northumberland Open Exhibition attracted a record submission of 458 artworks by about 200 amateur and professional artists from across the county and region.
The 379 entries chosen by the selection panel, comprising artists and curators, can be seen from Saturday, February 22, when the exhibition opens to the public.
Featuring the work of painters, sculptors, glassmakers and others, it offers an insight into the depth and breadth of talent in the region.
As in previous years, a winning submission has been chosen – Robert Newton’s painting, English Pastoral, depicting a view of fields, trees and hills beyond, all under a big sky.
Narbi Price, a painter, curator, lecturer and selection panel member, described Robert’s work as delightfully fresh and confident, and more complex than at first sight.
“It immediately caught my eye and kept me wanting to go back and view it again and again. You can see the artist’s decision-making through the brushstrokes, and you can really see how he’s working things out whilst creating the image.”
Robert said: “To be accepted to an open, juried exhibition is a major milestone for any artist, whatever stage they are in their career, and it’s always a worthwhile component of one’s artistic practice.
“To win first prize came as a surprise and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the jury for selecting my work, and also congratulations to all of the other artists and makers who have been selected and have work highly commended.”
Narbi said an impressive degree of talent, skill and imagination had been demonstrated across this year’s entries.
And he added: “Whilst we always select a winner and highly commended artworks, being part of the Northumberland Open Exhibition is to be celebrated in itself.”
Highly commended this year are Nasim Akhtar for Dawn Consolation, Geoffrey Bradford for Excavation, Lucy Waters for Reminded Constantly of Being an Outsider and Michelle Wood for The Lost Pressings.
Narbi’s fellow selectors were Liz Ritson, director of programmes & engagement at Woodhorn, and Julie Milne, chief curator of art galleries at North East Museums.
“This is the second time I’ve been part of the selection panel and it really has been an honour to enjoy all the amazing artworks that have been submitted this year,” said Julie.
“Choosing the final group of artists to feature in the exhibition was a very difficult task.
“This year’s Open Exhibition will be the biggest to date, so I’d encourage everyone to visit and support all the talented artists who have worked so hard to be part of this special event.”
The Northumberland Open Exhibition as Woodhorn Museum prepares to join with 11 other sites (most of them previously under the banner of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) as part of the renamed and expanded North East Museums.