After, what is sure for many to seem like weeks of waiting, the winners of the prestigious Staffordshire Open Art Exhibition 2013 have been revealed.
Wallowing in the artistic glory this year are:
Stafford based artist Sam Mace with her painting ‘Blue David’ who has taken the top prize of £750 sponsored by SCHOTT UK Ltd
Runners up prizes have been awarded to:
• Yvonne Jordan from Stafford for her photograph ‘LAT 52816589 LONG 2119577’ – £500 prize sponsored by Stafford Railway Building Society
• Charles Walker from Stoke-on-Trent for his painting ‘Counterpoint & Twist’ – £500 prize sponsored by Stafford District Arts Council.
• Jonathan Statham from Newcastle-under-Lyme for his photograph ‘Rood Screen at St Giles, Cheadle’ – £150 prize sponsored by the Barnett Ratcliffe Partnership.
• Ron Satterthwaite from Codsall for his painting ‘Mud Revellers’ – £100 worth of artists’ materials sponsored by The Paper House, Stafford.
[h3]Everyone’s a Winner[/h3]
Having visited the exibition we must say that all the works entered this year are marvelous, and they cross the entire spectrum of paintings, drawings, prints, photography, film & animation and sculpture. The pieces on display reinforce Staffordshire talent, dedication and passion for visual arts
The Staffordshire Open Art exhibition is a unique show because any artist, who lives, works, studies or who was born in Staffordshire is invited to submit their latest work for inclusion in the show.
[blockquote]We are very proud to be able to host this exciting annual exhibition showcasing talent from all over the country. Janene Cox – Staffordshire’s Head of Culture & Tourism[/blockquote]
[h3]Supporting Emerging Artists [/h3]
[blockquote]Staffordshire is a talented and creative county and it’s great to have events like this to showcase our local artists. Their creative passion and enthusiasm ensures the continued success of this exhibition. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous support. Mike Lawrence, Staffordshire Cabinet Member for Community & Culture[/blockquote]
The show is an extremely important event in Shire Hall Gallery calendar, and as equally important for arts in Staffordshire as a whole, as it promotes new talent and provides an opportunity for newly emerging artists in the region to show their work, often for the first time.
Young artists also got their moment to shine, with Andrew Baker from Stafford District Arts Council, sponsors of the Under 16s category presenting awards to:
• Age 8 and under prize of £50 to Ella Firth
• Age 9 -12 prize of £50 to Jessica McMahon
• Age 3 -16 prize of £50 to Stephen Collings
[h3]Your chance to vote[/h3]
Even though the official judging has taken place, visitors to the exhibition now get their chance to have a say and to vote for their favourite piece of work with the most popular artist receiving a £200 prize sponsored by Stafford Tourism Bureau.
[h3]Exhibition Details – Go See It[/h3]
The Staffordshire Open Art Exhibition can be enjoyed at the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford until 14 July 2013
Details of opening times, and more about Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford here
