39th Annual Open Art Exhibition

This year’s Open Art Exhibition at Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham once again displays an exciting range of artwork entered by amateur and professional artists of all ages from across the region.

A variety of 2D and 3D artwork in different mediums are on display , all of which are for sale.

All the work is original or limited prints, ideal for gifts at Christmas.  The exhibition is free to enter so why not come along and enjoy the artwork in this unique and historic settings.

OVERALL WINNER – RED DAWN BY GEORGE DAVIES 

Hugh Benson 

Bio: Qualified from North Staffordshire Polytechnic with a BA in Design in 1980. He then went on to Manchester Metropolitan University to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Art Education. After several years teaching in secondary education, he left to set up his own ceramics studio, selling his work through exhibitions and craft shows across the country.  Eventually teaching drew him back and he worked for 29 years in F.E. as a lecturer in Art Education. Now in retirement, he is one of the potters working out of House of Clay, Castle Park. 
 
I was honoured to be asked to take part in the judging of the 3D elements of this year's open exhibition. 

 Award decision: 

All the work is of a high standard but the two pieces which stood out to me were 'Crows' by Clair Young and ‘Underwater Swimming/Lane Swimming' by Lesley Miller. 

'Crows' really captured the rumbustious character of these birds with dynamic and skilful modelling and should be highly commended.  

However, I have given my winning vote to 'Underwater/Lane Swimming'. I felt that the technical skills shown in handling the kiln formed glass elements combined with the playful sinuous graphic depiction of the swimmers was a winning combination. 

Top:  

‘Underwater Swimming/Lane Swimming' by Lesley Miller 

Highly Commended:  

'Crows' by Clair Young 

Door Light by Barry Male 

Bog Grass, Seeding by Jane Hansell 

Gill Snowball 

Bio: Gill is a passionate, mixed media artists with a wealth of knowledge and experience.  She has exhibited and travelled extensively, and her travels often inspire her next collection of work. 

Her working life was spent in education, both primary and further education. Retirement gave her more time to focus on developing her art. She uses layers and then more layers to build up the textures, she loves This often comprises of print, bleach, collage, printing techniques, stitch and more recently the use of found objects, such as old clock parts, pieces of old china and even enamel panels. 

Gill was a Founder member and Director of Visual Arts Cheshire and more recently, Chair of Cheshire Artists Network. She ran a successful textile group from Marbury Park and was responsible for curating many exhibitions throughout the County. 

Her love of art is still as enthusiastic as it was when she was younger, and she hopes to create and inspire others, for many more years to come. 

 Award decision: 

‘Red Dawn’ was my first choice, because it was superbly executed as an oil painting. The subject matter showed strength, realism, texture, and perspective. Even the breath could be seen coming from the stag. The foreground depicted the small blue birds, a marked contrast to the dense fur on the neck of this magnificent beast.  I congratulate the artist! 

Top:  

Red Dawn by George Davies 

Highly Commended:  

The Cottage by Dave Percival 

Old Frodsham Golf Course Pond by Brian Chapman 

Dave Percival 

Bio: Dave Percival is an artist based in Warrington, specialising in Pastels and Watercolours. With a renewed interest in painting since retiring from his engineering career, he has gained recognition for his unique and captivating pieces that showcase his creativity and talent.  Dave is a member of Warrington Art Group and regularly displays his work in local galleries and exhibitions.   

Dave has received 'Best in Show' and 'People's Choice' prizes at Tatton Park Art Exhibitions, 'Judges' Award and Business Award at Castle Parks Art Centre Open Exhibition, Frodsham, and People's Choice Award at Stockton Heath Festival Art Exhibition. 

 Award decision: 

I chose "Little Drummer" an oil painting of a woodpecker by George Davies. It is a striking image that has a pleasing composition and a good contrast between the subject in sharp focus with its colourful crest and blue grey plumage against the less well-defined mossy background. I also like the treatment of the textures in the tree with the soft petal-like fungi. The treatment of the plumage is sufficient to give realism without attempting to draft each and every feather. 

Top:  

Little Drummer by George Davies 

Highly Commended:  

Tia by Kate Brooks 

Windy Corner by Derek Johnson 

James Caldwell (Business Judge) 

Bio (from website) The Curious Cat Bookshop was born out of a simple yet profound love for books and cats. We believe in the power of stories to transport, transform, and transcend. Coupled with the therapeutic presence of cats, we’ve created a space that not only feeds the mind but also soothes the soul. 

Lisa and James founded the bookshop as lifelong readers and cat enthusiasts, we see a place where the community could come together over shared passions. A place where the thrill of discovering new stories is matched by the joy of making new furry friends. Thus, The Curious Cat Bookshop came to be—a place where every visit offers a new adventure. 

 Award decision: 

Watching of the Gannets was a piece that stood out each time I came past it. The intricate and accurate detail in the painting really draws you in and the more time you spend with it the more you notice.  

There is a lot of care and attention that has been devoted to this piece, it would be a piece that would delight a gallery or a wall at home. 

 Top:  

Watching the Gannets by George Davies 

Highly Commended: 

Elizabeth with oranges by Audrey Lindsay 

Napoli by Phil Taffs 

 Photographs by Denis Kelly. Instagram: @denispkelly"

and Bridget Mullally