Two local artists have made the shortlist for an international open competition which saw almost 1,400 entries from around the world.
Their work will be seen at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, in a unique exhibition from 6th – 22nd October.
Now in its sixth year, Wells Arts Contemporary (WAC) has a rising reputation both in the UK and abroad. This year the competition has enjoyed the highest number of entries to date; a total of 1,397 pieces of contemporary art including painting, sculpture, printmaking and photography, from 26 different countries.
Each entry has been assessed by a panel of highly respected judges to whittle the selection down to 123 shortlisted works, which will make up the selling exhibition in Wells.
Frome sculptor Marian Bruce is one of the 11 Somerset artists to have been selected with ‘Child’, a sculpture in steel and fabric, one of three pieces that form an installation, The Consequence. It is her first time entering, like her fellow Frome artist, Rob Irving, who has a background in photography.
“I recently started to make short films and I thought it was about time these got an airing and a wider audience,” says Rob. “I was testing the market. The same film won the Bath Fringe Arts Open Art Prize in June and I’m thrilled to be shortlisted for the Wells Art Contemporary.”
The organisation’s new chairman, Paddy O’Hagan, says, “This is a really exciting time for WAC. Everyone assumes that contemporary art is something for the big cities but we’re proving rural, non-metropolitan areas can offer just as much in terms of culture and the arts.”
Marian agreed, saying, “In rural areas, community spaces both indoor and out are excellent for providing access to view work. Commercial galleries, unless funded, simply cannot afford to exhibit art that is perhaps unaffordable, or too large or unsuitable to take home.”
WAC is also a competition and there are a wide range of monetary, exhibition and professional development prizes available. Winners will be announced at a private reception on 12th October.
For further information, visit www.wellsartcontem porary.co.uk
Above: Sculptor, Marian Bruce, in her studio in Frome.
