WOLVERHAMPTON.- Over 60 artists have been selected to represent the talent of the region for the first Open West Midlands, taking place at Wolverhampton Art Gallery 5 July to 5 September. Open will be a fantastic treat for visitors, with something for everyone’s taste, all produced by local artists.

From 750 works of art submitted, an independent and impartial panel of experts selected the best pieces to feature in the exhibition. Inclusion in the exhibition also makes the works eligible for a series of prizes for work in different media, as well as the overall winner’s prize of £1000.

Visitors can also have their opinions heard, with a chance to vote for their favourite artwork. The winner of ‘The People’s Prize’ will be announced near the end of the exhibition, and everyone who votes can also win, as they will be entered into a draw for tickets to Le Grand Cirque at The Grand Theatre.

Exhibitions curator Kate Pryor said:
‘The huge support and excellent quality of work submitted for the Open West Midlands has been fantastic. The panel selected a really interesting and impressive array of talent from the region, with works in all kinds of media, including painting, imposing three-dimensional works and beautiful photography.’

A series of events are also on offer to celebrate and complement Open. As well as being the first to see the exhibition, visitors coming along on Saturday 5 July will have the opportunity to take part in the free Art 4 Kids workshops, 10.30am – 11.30am and 12pm – 1pm (please phone 01902 552055 to book); hear a fascinating talk about art inspired by the local area at 12.30pm; and see presentations for prize winning artists, from 1pm.

Prizes of £250 will be awarded to the best in each of the following categories: work on paper, sponsored by Café Rickshaw; painting, sponsored by Spectrum Fine Arts; time-based media, sponsored by TVS Media; 3D /sculpture, sponsored by School of Art and Design at University of Wolverhampton and photography, sponsored by What's On Where Wolverhampton. These prizes will be announced from 1pm, Saturday 5 July.

An evening opening on Wednesday 16 July, 5pm – 7.30pm, will also offer visitors the chance to see the exhibition out of hours, and refreshments will be served.

Open is a biennial collaboration between Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Wolverhampton Art Gallery, offering artists from Birmingham, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire the opportunity to showcase their work at these prestigious venues. The first Open West Midlands is to take place this year, 5 July – 5 September at Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Look out for further information and exclusive content about Open at www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/wolves