RISING stars of contemporary art are being invited to shine at the Rugby Open 24 exhibition.
Artists can now submit pieces for consideration for the Open’s judging panel – which this year includes Royal Academy of Art members Eileen Cooper and Oona Grimes.
The overall winner of the Open – which opens at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday November 30 – will win £1,000 and the chance to stage a solo exhibition at the Little Elborow Street venue.
Artists based in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Coventry can enter the Open, with submissions accepted across the arts – including drawing, painting, print, photography, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.
The exhibition also incorporates the Rugby Youth Open, for artists aged 14 to 19, with the winner picking up £250.
Katie Boyce, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s senior exhibitions and programming officer, said: “The Open offers emerging artists the rare opportunity to exhibit works alongside pieces from established artists in a professional gallery setting.
“We’re now welcoming submissions and I know our judges cannot wait to discover fresh artistic talent and share it with a wider audience.”
A painter and printmaker, Eileen Cooper’s work features in art collections across the world, including the Tate Modern, the British Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art.
She was elected a Royal Academician in 2000 and in 2016 was awarded the OBE for services to art and art education.
London-based artist Oona Grimes explores her obsession with language through drawing, clay-making and film.
She secured the prestigious Bridget Riley Fellowship at the British School at Rome in 2018 and was elected a Royal Academician earlier this year.
The Open judging panel also includes Rugby Mayor Simon Ward, local artist Anna Lorimer, owner of the Anna Lorimer Bespoke Framing and Art Gallery in Henry Street, and Coun Maggie O’Rourke, Rugby Borough Council’s spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing.
Coun O’Rourke said: “The Rugby Open provides a fantastic opportunity for contemporary artists to exhibit pieces in a professional gallery and showcase work to members of the Royal Academy of Arts.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Eileen and Oona to help us judge this year’s submissions and select the pieces for this year’s Open exhibition.”
Her Liberal Democrat counterpart Coun Neil Sandison said: “The Open gives both emerging and established artists the opportunity to exhibit works in a gallery setting, often for the first time, adding to the exciting pool of artistic talent we have come to enjoy in Rugby.”
Submissions for the Rugby Open 24 must be received by 5pm on Monday November 18. Visit www.ragm.co.uk/rugby-open-2024 for more information, and to enter.
