The evening of Wednesday 11 May saw a special launch of Kettering Borough Council’s Alfred East Art Gallery annual Open art exhibition, Open 11. At the event, attended by 140 visitors, 3 artists were also presented with cash awards, kindly sponsored by QualitySolicitors, Wilson Browne, for demonstrating particular artistic merit and originality:
Award of £350 for the photograph, ‘Growing Old Playfully By The Trans Canada Highway’ presented to Roger & Danièle Bradley (pictured in Image 1 with Andrew Bergman from QualitySolicitors Wilson Browne)
Award of £250 for the photograph, ‘Clover Dreams’ presented to Jonathan Macauley
Award of £150 for the painting, ‘Ash Tree (Lamport)’ presented to Lee Burrows
Councillor Steve Bellamy says “the annual Open exhibition at the Alfred East Art Gallery is a fantastic opportunity for artists and art lovers alike. We have some wonderful local talent. All the artworks are for sale, so the exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for artists to sell and for visitors to buy unique and high quality art work. So do come along”.
Valerie Hitchman Head of Community Services says “there is a public vote for visitors to let us know their favourite work of art in the Open 11. The artist who receives the most votes will be offered an exhibiting opportunity at the Alfred East Art Gallery.”
Andrew Bergman, Partner of QualitySolicitors Wilson Browne says “QualitySolicitors Wilson Browne pride themselves on their links and support provided to the local community and the arts so it was splendid to be associated with the Open exhibition for a second year this year. We were only too delighted to sponsor the event and the winners awards for the Open 2011.”
Notes to Editor
Kettering Borough Council invited all artists living or working in Northamptonshire or the adjacent counties to submit works of art to be considered by the independent exhibition selection panel of arts professionals;
Craig Ashley: Producer of Visual Arts and Media, mac, Birmingham
Yasmin Canvin: Director, Fermynwoods Contemporary Art
John Plowman: Curator, Beacon Art Project, Lincolnshire
This year there were 158 works submitted to Open 11 at the Gallery and of these works, 67 have been selected for inclusion in the exhibition.
Artworks were chosen on their artistic merit, with the overall aim of producing an exhibition which highlights the quality and diversity of artistic practice in the region. This panel of judges also chose the artist awards.
Additional Images:
Image 2: Chris Prout, winner of the Open 10 public vote, will have his exhibition in July 2011, following the Open 11 Exhibition.
Image 3: Jonathan Macauley, recipient of the £250 cash award, pictured with Andrew Bergman
Image 4: Lee Burrow, recipient of the £150 cash award, pictured with Andrew Bergman
Image 5: the launch event
Quality Solicitors Wilson Browne sponsor Open 11.
The Alfred East Art Gallery is situated in Sheep Street, Kettering, easy to get to by train, bus or by car. It is linked to the library and close to the parish church of SS Peter and Paul.
For further information on Open 11 please contact Danielle Evans at Kettering Borough Council on 01536 535608.
Alfred East Art Gallery
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 4.45pm.
Entry is free, donations welcome
T. 01536 534 274 E. museumandgallery@kettering.gov.uk
Visit www.kettering.gov.uk/museums