Rugby Open 19 celebrates top homegrown talent

Rugby Open 19 celebrates the cream of contemporary art, with artists submitting paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, film and craftwork for inclusion in the exhibition.

This year's judging panel included Craig Ashley, director of New Art West Midlands, and Emma Gardener, an artist, printmaker and educator who contributed to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's Journeys to Home exhibition in 2018.

The panel selected the pieces featured in the exhibition and the winners of a wide range of prizes - including the overall winner, who walks away with £1,000 and the chance to host an exhibition at the venue's Floor One Gallery.

Sarah Holdaway, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior visual arts officer, said: "Rugby Open 2019 provides the perfect platform for both established and aspiring artists to showcase works in a professional gallery setting.

"With many of the works in the exhibition for sale, it's a fantastic opportunity to discover new talent and pick up a piece for your collection."

Rugby Open 19 opens tomorrow (Saturday 23 November) and runs until Saturday 11 January. The exhibition also includes Rugby Youth Open 19, featuring works from 14 to 19-year-olds.

The prize-giving ceremony for Rugby Open 19 takes place at the art gallery on Friday 6 December from 6pm to 8pm. All welcome.

For more information about exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk