Northumberland Open 2023: Wild Northumberland

The Northumberland Open Exhibition – housed in the stunning Workshop Galleries – is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland, attracting submissions from artists across the county and beyond.

The theme for our 2023 Open Exhibition is ‘Wild Northumberland’, inspired by Northumberland’s wild and unique landscapes, wildlife, weather and local characters.

As ever, this theme is open to the interpretation of the individual artist. Over 100 works have been selected for exhibition by a professional panel of artists and curators who also selected an Overall Winner and Highly Commended artists to be awarded prizes.

Northumberland Open Exhibition 2023 

Winner: Gillian Lee Smith – Roots Break Rock (Quarry Trees at Belsay)
Highly Commended: Judy Seymour – Dance me Wild and Clare Shand – Silent Night Hunter 

In addition to the judges’ selections, members of the public can also vote for their favourite artwork throughout the exhibition’s run at Woodhorn Museum. A special People’s Choice award will be presented to the artist that receives the most public votes when Open Exhibition 2023: Wild Northumberland closes on Monday 8th May.

Many of the pieces in this year’s exhibition are available to buy, speak to a Customer Host if you are interested in a piece of art for your home.

Artwork: Paul Henery- Barn Owl, Summer Evening.