Black Swan Arts say they have once again been astounded by the incredible talent and creativity of the children who have entered the Young Open competition this year.
Chair Amanda Sheridan said, “This year has been our best ever, with nearly 300 artworks submitted. It is the hard work of the young people involved and the support of their parents and schools that makes this prestigious exhibition possible.”
In the four years since the event began, the Young Open has grown to be the biggest in the region, with over 800 artworks submitted. More than 600 children have taken part from 150 different schools in the area. In the four years that the show has been running it has attracted over 8,000 visitors.
The Young Open 2016 takes place in the main gallery at Black Swan Arts from 12th March to 9th April (which will be open until 5pm during the show). One hundred and twenty five works are on display in the gallery, including paintings, drawings, printmaking, textiles and sculpture. All of the entries submitted appear in a video in the gallery.
Each year the winners in each age category (8–11 years, 12–15 years and 16–19 years) receive a unique one-to-one workshop provided by a professional artist. Since the beginning in 2013, 45 artists from diverse disciplines such as metal sculpture and glass blowing to video-making and jewellery have given their time and expertise to the lucky winners.
The winners were: Category 8 – 11 years Winners: Oscar Smellie, 9; Violet Venables Ziminski, 10; Lola Record, 11. Highly Commended: Lottie Allin, 8; Toby Hope, 10; Molly Lywood, 11; Florence Scotland, 11.
Category 12 – 15 years Winners: Lucja Jadwiga Korczak, 12; Matilda Le Lohe-Attwell, 14; Rhiannon Davies, 15; Tom Dunn, 15. Highly Commended: George Jennings, 12; Toby Watson, 12; Sol Warsop, 15; Susie Williams, 15.s
Category 16 – 19 years winners: Madeline Howden, 16; Zac Barnett, 18; Isabella Hicks, 18; Connie Hong, 18. Highly Commended: Grace Barnes, 16; Jenney-Lu Deane, 17; Lauren Cattle, 18; Beth Stowell, 18
Visitors also have an opportunity to play their part in the competition by voting for their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice award and each vote is put into a draw to win a prize of Black Swan Arts vouchers donated by Divas Café and SEED shop.
This year the Young Open is being sponsored by the Ernest Cook Trust, a leading outdoor educational charity and the Simon King Wildlife Project.
Black Swan Arts is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016 with a year of shows, exhibitions and one-off fundraising events. The celebration events include 1,000 Postcards – an exhibition of miniature original artworks, many by famous artists and celebrities (June); Secret Swans art trail (July); Art Car Boot Sale (July); and 30 Plinths – artists who have been involved with Black Swan Arts studios and galleries (December).
Black Swan Arts say, “Whether you’re an artist or not, this hub of creativity and vitality should be visited and celebrated by you in 2016!”
For further information about the exhibition, please contact Emma at Black Swan Arts on 01373 473980, office@blackswan.org.uk or www.blackswan.org.uk.
