St.Helens Open Art Competition 2009
Record numbers filled The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery recently as this year’s St.Helens Open Art competition winners were unveiled by Mayor Cllr Terry Shields and Cllr Wally Ashcroft, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and heritage.
Running from 1st December- 16th January the St.Helens Open Art exhibition has established itself firmly on The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery calendar as a major annual event, offering both amateur and professional artists a real opportunity to participate in what is now seen as a prestigious exhibition, not only in St.Helens but also in the wider arts community.
The competition aims to encourage and celebrate the diverse creative talent within our Borough, with entry open to anyone aged 16 or over who lives, works or studies in St.Helens.
This year the number of entrants has grown making it even more difficult than ever for our 5 judges to select the artworks that are on display and the overall 18 prize winners who will receive their share of The Rainford Trust’s generously donated prize money totalling £1,900.
This year’s judges were, Alun Evans, Professional Artist, Bill Birchall, Freelance Artist and Winner of the Open Art Competition 2008, Katie Louise Dixon, St.Helens College Photography BA [Hons] 3rd year student, Margaret Peart, Freelance Artist and Will Simm, Secretary of the Rainford Trust.
Voting forms are also available in the gallery for the People’s Choice Prize, which is decided by public vote and you have until Tuesday 24th December to choose your winner.
The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery is an inclusive arts space for all, located in the Gamble Building above Central Library in Victoria Square in the town centre. It is owned by St.Helens Council and supported by the Rainford Trust. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and admission is free.