NOTTINGHAM, UK.- New artwork by over 60 artists and makers in the East Midlands make up this year’s Nottingham Open Art exhibition. Opening to the public on 20 November at Nottingham Castle, it is a great opportunity to buy paintings, photography, ceramics and textiles from as little as £50. And with 12 months’ interest free credit available, it is a chance to decorate your home with unique works of art.

The Nottingham Open Art Exhibition has been held in the galleries of Nottingham Castle since 1879. This popular annual event is open to artists and craft-makers from the East Midlands region and this year attracted more than 200 applicants.

Celebrating the diversity of creativity within the East Midlands region, The Open is an opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work in one of the region’s primary arts venues. It also enables Nottingham Castle to spot new talent and highlight the eclectic mix of ideas, styles and materials being used within the contemporary art-world.

In mid-October a panel of independent selectors locked themselves away to carry out the difficult task of choosing this year’s successful applicants for the 2004 Open Art Exhibition. This year artwork was selected by Ceri Lewis, Contemporary Art Society, London; Jeremy Webster, The Usher Gallery, Lincoln and Richard Brackenbury of Open sponsors, Berryman Shacklock Solicitors, Nottingham. Following a 9 hour marathon during which they viewed more than 700 works of art and craft, the selectors finally chose 73 pieces by 67 artists and makers all based within the East Midlands.

Richard Brackenbury commented: ‘‘The quality and sheer diversity of the entries made it a fascinating judging process. The whole day was a real window onto the creative talent that we have within the East Midlands.’’

Painting, photography, textile, ceramic, glass, film, sculpture and the range of styles and ideas make the Open a popular fixture in the Castle's diary...and with artworks priced from as little as £50 it's a great place to pick up a unique gift for Christmas or treat yourself!