Although this theme was planned before the pandemic, we felt it resonated well with the situation we have found ourselves in over the past two years. Many people have been in a position where they might be limited to creating self-portraits, portraits of lockdown companions, portraits of what we can see from our windows or portraits of our thoughts and feelings. Creativity has helped many people through this very challenging time, and we welcome the opportunity to share work made over the past two years.
Following an open call, 139 pieces of artwork have been selected for display in this new exhibition. The selected works by talented regional artists showcase a thoughtful range of responses to the theme ‘A Portrait of Northumberland’. This year, the selection panel undertaking the difficult task of choosing work for exhibition included artist and curator Leanne Pearce, painter, curator and Ashington Group Trustee Narbi Price, and the Public Programme Manager for Museums Northumberland, Liz Ritson.
Special congratulations go out to the artists whose work was chosen for the Overall Winner and Highly Commended awards:
Overall Winner: ‘Remembered’ by Ted Taylor
Highly Commended: ‘Ivan’ by Marc Jeffrey
Highly Commended: ‘Of Dust and Darkness (Miner)’ by Gillan Lee Smith
Highly Commended: ‘Northumbrian Dusk (Fields Beyond Amble)’ by Luke McTaggart
Visitors to the exhibition can place their vote for the ‘Peoples’ Choice’ award, which will be announced after the exhibition closes and the votes have been counted in late April. Don’t miss out on the chance to browse and buy stunning original artworks and to choose your favourite!
