The Open Art Winter Exhibition comprises of artworks in a wide variety of media and subject matter selected from open submission. Amateur and professional artists, aged 18 and over, were invited to enter the competition partly sponsored by Caerphilly Town Council with the aim of not only enhancing the town's artistic reputation but also to provide a platform to showcase the diverse range of welsh talent.
The event, at Y Galeri, attracted almost 300 two and three dimensional entries from artists from across South Wales who were given free creative rein over the work they submitted. Following submission, 130 artworks were selected by a panel of three judges: Heidi Mehta, Arts Development Officer for the Arts Council of Wales, David Chamberlain, Arts Development Manager for Caerphilly Borough Council & artist Wendy Henley.
Important factors for the judges when making their selection included originality, technique and emotional impact. The panel was instructed to select 100 pieces to form the exhibition but their task was a difficult one and their final selection comprised of 130 pieces. The three winning entries will be announced and prizes of £500, £250 & £100 will be awarded at a presentation event on Friday 8th February. Visitors to the gallery also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork and a prize of £50 will be awarded to artist of the artwork with the most votes.
The exhibition is an exciting kick start to Y Galeri’s 2013 programme and with artworks starting at £50 the show provides an affordable opportunity for those looking to purchase an original artwork. Y Galeri is open 10am-5pm, Tuesday - Saturday.