Picture perfect for Open Art Awards winners

Published on 5 June 2019

The winning artists have been announced following a record breaking year for the Staffordshire Moorlands Open Art exhibition 2019.

Over 90 artists submitted work and more than 200 exhibits were displayed at the exhibition which ran throughout May as part of the Leek Arts Festival. The annual event at the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery showcases the often otherwise unseen talents of local artists.

The exhibition culminated in a prize-giving ceremony to celebrate their achievements. This year's winners, chosen by a panel of people working professionally in arts and culture as well as one voted for by the public, are:

2D category - Carole Cluer for Self. The runners-up prize went to Gill Stokes for Against the Storm.

3D category - Cliff Beardmore's A Pile of Piglets took first prize with Faces by Marie McGowan-Griffin taking second place.

Photography - David Travis won the first prize for Let Me Help You With That with second spot going to Barn Owl by Patricia Brads haw.

Public Vote - Self by Carole Cluer - her second award for this exhibition.

Best in Show - went to Jackie White for Out of the Woods.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and cabinet member with responsibility for arts and culture, said: "The talent on display during the Open Art exhibition never ceases to impress me - and it just seems to get better and better each year.

"This year we've attracted more entries than ever which goes to show the links to the arts and crafts heritage of the Moorlands are as strong as ever and continue to thrive.

"My congratulations to all those who's work was displayed at the exhibition and, of course, to those who won in their categories. I know the judges found it extremely difficult to reach their decisions this year due to the exceptionally high standards and we're all looking forward with anticipation to next year's exhibition."