Ilminster artist Julia McKenzie has been selected for a prestigious international art exhibition, organised by Wells Art Contemporary (WAC).
Wells Cathedral will host the exhibition from August 3 to August 31 2024.
The competition saw almost 2,500 submissions from artists spanning 27 different countries.
After substantial deliberation, a panel of judges selected only 121 artworks, celebrating a variety of disciplines and mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, sculpture and installation.
These selected works are to be displayed as the Gallery Show in the Cathedral cloisters, a renowned event in the city’s cultural calendar.
WAC chair, Paddy O’Hagan, said: "We want to not only deliver a platform for artists to show their work in such an inspirational and prestigious space but also provide visitors with access to an enriching experience which is perhaps associated more with a large metropolitan art gallery."
Paddy O'Hagan (Image: Wells Art Contemporary)
A first for Ms McKenzie, she described the event as really inspirational and very special.
She said: "I have always been aware of WAC’s reputation and have now visited the exhibition every year since I moved to Somerset.
"The range and quality of the work on display is so immersive and always so impressive.
"I am thrilled to be included this year."
The piece by Julia, titled Travellers, combines collage, sepia ink and watercolour.
Travellers by Julia McKenzie (Image: Julia McKenzie)
She says: "It is inspired by the sea diaries of my Cornish great grandfather from the 1890’s.
"He was away at sea for most of the year facing so many dangers and missing his family and homeland so much.
"His survival allows me to share his story over 120 years later."
Apart from the Gallery Show, 19 site-specific installation pieces in the Cathedral and the Camery Gardens will be presented as part of the WAC Installation Show.
Mr O'Hagan said: "A captivating reinterpretation of Wells Cathedral as always, we are immensely grateful to Wells Cathedral for allowing us to put on an exhibition of this size and scale."
He also took the opportunity to extend his welcome to The Rev Canon Toby Wright as the new Dean of Wells Cathedral, expressing his excitement for future collaborations.
Although entry to WAC is included with admission to the Cathedral, a virtual exhibition will be made available for those who cannot attend in person.
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