Prize winners at Yardley Arts Summer Exhibition
Yardley Arts Summer Open Exhibition is a resounding success, for artists and for the Yardley Hastings-based Community Interest Company. The first exhibition at the popular arts centre attracted over 400 entries from the Midlands and wider UK. Following a selection process by independent specialists, 155 artworks are now on show until 19 July. Reponses from visitors have been extremely positive and many artworks will go to new homes after the exhibition.
Seven pieces are displayed in the newly landscaped sculpture garden, including two large marble sculptures by Northamptonshire stonecarver Nicolas Moreton. His finely crafted work ‘Midnight’ won the sculpture prize, having the highest number of votes during the selection process. Nicolas was presented with his certificate at the packed awards evening by Stefanie Price, whose company sponsored the prize.
The Woodmansterne Fine Art prize was awarded to London-based artist Raoul Orzabal for his extraordinary painting, ‘Aqua Altered’, an multi-dimensional Venetian scene. Raoul received his certificate from Seth Woodmansterne, representing the sponsoring company.
Amanda Lowther DL congratulated the artists whose work was accepted for the exhibition, praising the very high quality and wide range of art types. As one of the selection panel, in her capacity as Co-Director of British Art Portfolio, she said what a difficult job it was to choose from such a variety of interesting art.
Also commended were Polly Parrish, Co-Director of Yardley Arts CIC and artist Sally Pennycate, who designed and installed the exhibition, for having the vision, determination and skill to achieve such an ambitious project. Co-founder Richard Artus thanked the small but dedicated team of volunteers who support the arts centre’s programme and the local companies who worked so hard to bring the garden development project to glorious fruition in time for the exhibition. The sculpture garden was also sponsored by Woodmansterne Publications.
The High Sherriff attended the opening evening and chatted with artists, organisers and guests, turning up in full regalia despite the heat! Hundreds more people visited the exhibition during Yardley Hastings Open Gardens event and were also able to watch and chat with several artists working live around the village.
Many of the exhibits have already been sold, but there are many more available. All of the items can be viewed and purchased online. See them in person and vote for your favourite artwork in the People’s Prize Award to enter the free Prize Draw to win a Yardley Arts course worth up to £100.
The exhibition can be visited on Thursdays to Sundays, 11am – 5pm until Sunday 19 July. Venue address is The Square, Yardley Hastings, Northampton, England, NN7 1EU. All work is for sale via the website www.yardleyarts.org.