THE clock is ticking as the submission deadline for the annual judged Open Exhibition at Ilminster Arts Centre approaches.

With just one week left until the May 3 deadline, artists are encouraged to finalize their submissions for a chance to showcase their talent and compete for prestigious prizes.

This year’s Open Exhibition promises to be a celebration of creativity and artistic expression, welcoming submissions from artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, this is your opportunity to have your work recognized and appreciated.

Prizes

• Overall Winner: £300

• Two Runners Up: £150 each

• Emerging Artist: £100 and one year’s free membership with Somerset Art Works

• Visitor’s Choice: £50 In addition to the cash prizes, each winner will be invited to participate in the highly anticipated Prize Winners' Exhibition scheduled for January 2025.

This exclusive event offers a platform for artists to showcase their winning pieces and connect with art enthusiasts and collectors.

Annie Musgrove, last year's winner, captured the hearts of both judges and visitors with her captivating landscape painting.

As anticipation builds for this year's exhibition, artists are encouraged to take inspiration from Annie's success and submit their best work for consideration.

Meet the Judges

The Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition 2024 is proud to introduce our esteemed panel of judges, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the selection process.

• Stewart Geddes - Renowned painter and curator

• Anna Morris - Multidisciplinary artist and educator

• Chris Ackerman – Painter and former arts centre trustee

• Mike Lanigan – Mike will be assisting the judges as the arts centre’s resident 3D expert. Mike is a sculptor and volunteers regularly at the centre.

Stewart Geddes is a distinguished painter whose artistic journey has taken him from local acclaim to international recognition.

With a career spanning decades, Geddes has exhibited his work extensively, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally.

As a past president of the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) and an Honorary Academician of the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, Geddes brings a depth of knowledge and insight to the judging panel.

His recent collaboration with Philip Selway of Radiohead on visual projects underscores his innovative approach to art across various mediums.

In 2019, Geddes curated the groundbreaking exhibition ‘Albert Irvin and Abstract Expressionism’ in collaboration with the Albert Irvin Estate and Tate Gallery at the RWA, showcasing his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Anna Morris is an accomplished artist whose explorations into the interplay of light, mark-making, and landscape have captivated audiences and critics alike.

With a Master of Arts degree in Fine Art from Wimbledon College (University of the Arts London), Morris brings a unique perspective to the judging panel.

Drawing from her experience as an art educator, she combines technical skills with a profound understanding of artistic concepts and techniques.

Morris's work has graced the walls of galleries across the UK, including the prestigious Irving Gallery and the Wiseman Gallery in Oxford.

Artists can submit their entries before the May 3rd deadline to be in with a chance of winning one of the prizes.

For more information and to enter, please visit Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition 2024.

The open exhibition is sponsored by local firm Branston and supported by Somerset Art Works.