THERE are some particularly fine works of art adorning the walls and plinths at Oriel Wrecsam at the moment.
They have been submitted by various artists from the region as part of the 2010 Wrexham Open, an annual event on the gallery’s calendar.
The competition was open to artists, sculptors, painters, designers, craftmakers and architects and, this year, 118 artists have submitted nearly 300 works.
There were three categories of entry – amateur, professional and student – and the winner for each received a £250 prize.
From installation pieces to Banksy-esque ‘street art’, from the equally elusive ‘Random’ to an impressive large-scale abstract work by talented student Francois
Grobler, the Open has something to appeal to everyone.
Gallery manager Alex Hugo said: “We are quite broad in the remit for the exhibition. Artists can enter any type of media.
“The artists come from all over the region – Wrexham, Flintshire, Cheshire and Shropshire – and the range of work this year has been excellent.”
This year’s winners were, Isobel Crawford (amateur), for her work ‘We Are One Series Number 4’; Nichola Goff (professional) for ‘Abandoned Swimming Pool’; and Grobler (student) for his ‘Untitled VIII’.
During the exhibition, members of the public can also vote their favourite, with a further People’s Prize of £250 up for grabs.
Independent selector Steffan Jones-Hughes said: “The standard of entry was extremely high this year. It has been very difficult to make decisions on which
pieces should be shown.
“I hope people will agree that my final selection gives a diverse flavour of creative activity taking place across the borough and beyond.”
The exhibition has already attracted many visitors, among them Cllr Bob Dutton, OBE, Wrexham Council’s lead member for communities and performance.
He said: “The works are of an exceptionally high standard and it is well worth making the time during a visit to the town centre to take a look.
“Congratulations to each of the category winners and I wish them every success for the future.”
l he exhibition continues until September 2 at Oriel Wrecsam, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham. Admission is free. Opening times are Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 6.45pm, Thursday, noon to 6.45pm and Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm. For more information call 01978 292093.