9th July 2007, 07/226
West Lancashire Open Exhibition to be
unveiled

Inspiring artworks created by professionals and amateurs will be
unveiled at the popular West Lancashire Open Exhibition, which
opens on 14th July.
Returning for its sixth year, the high-profile event will once
again take place at the Chapel Gallery in Ormskirk until 29th
August 2007 and gives visitors an opportunity to view this diverse
selection of works.
Hundreds of artists entered their artwork for selection; the pieces
covered a wide range of media including painting, drawing,
sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles and mixed
media.
Judges then had the difficult decision of choosing the strongest
collection of artworks to be exhibited, resulting in a selection of
imaginative, original pieces, which reflect the impressive talents
of the artists. The artworks chosen cover a wide array of
disciplines and are brought together to ensure that this year's
exhibition is a great success.
Cllr Rob Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: "I would
encourage everyone to come along and see for themselves just what a
fantastic exhibition the Open really is. Its sheer diversity is
enough to draw the crowds in and has something to suit all tastes.
Visitors seeking accomplished painting will not be disappointed,
but individuals interested in the most recent developments in art
will also find pieces to inspire.
"The Open is also a fantastic opportunity for artists to exhibit
their work in the professional, welcoming environment at Chapel
Gallery and this year's exhibition is an excellent example of the
talent we have in the world of art. The pieces that have been
selected by the judges reflect the creativity of individuals and
I'm sure that many will go on to progress further and even pursue a
career in art if they wish to do so!"
The selection panel also had the tough job of choosing three
artists who will each receive a cash prize for their artwork. They
selected the following people for their particularly outstanding
creations:
· first prize winner is Mike Hatjoullis from Liverpool, for his
large-scale linocut 'Help Me,' he receives a prize of £800
· the £400 Second Prize winner is Wigan based Ulrich West for his
mixed-media piece 'Burial Chamber'
· the Third Prize of £200 goes to Gizelle Molnar for her ceramic
installation 'Lost Eco Sytem'
· and among the artists commended are Betty Morris of Aughton and
Peter Bennett from Up Holland
Chairman of West Lancashire District Council, Cllr William Cropper,
will present the prizes at the private view on Friday 13th July
between 7pm and 9pm.
Visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to vote for
their favourite piece of artwork in the People's Prize section. The
winner will be given the opportunity to showcase their work at the
Chapel Gallery later in the year and receive an exhibition fee of
£150.
If you would like to visit this exhibition from 14th July to 29th
August, the Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday,
as is the Café and the Contemporary Craft shop. Entrance is free.
For more information visit the Chapel Gallery section.
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