2026 OPEN ART COMPETITION – Winners & Highly Commended
We had a fantastic response with 677 entries from across the UK, thank you to all the artists who entered. The standard was exceptionally high.
We are most grateful to our judges who did a brilliant job. A huge thank you to our prize sponsors, without whom the competition would not be possible.
Introducing our 2026 Prizewinners
The Main Prize Sponsored by Wychavon District Council £1,000
‘Lobster Harbour, Maine’ by Alison Chambers from Malvern (Oil)
Main Prize Runner Up sponsored by Art Broadway (£250)
‘Misty Forest’ by Yan Yun Gao from St Albans (Acrylic)
Local Artist Prize sponsored by Lennox Cato Antiques & Works of Art (£500)
‘Dawn of the Sparrows’ by Carren Lu from Cheltenham (Oil & Acrylic)
Still Life Prize sponsored by The White Gallery, Chipping Campden (weekend exhibition)
‘Oak, Apple, Autumn’ by David Gleeson from Stafford (Acrylic)
New Entrant Prize sponsored by The Painter’s Company Charities (£500)
‘Handle with Care’ by Shannagh-Leigh Hartshorn from Bolton (Acrylic)
Oils/Acrylics Prize sponsored by John Noott Galleries (£500)
‘Last Light’ by Helen Woodcock from Kenilworth (Oil)
Sculpture Prize sponsored by Sharon Stirling & Mark Ward (£500)
‘Adam and Eve – 29 Avenue Rapp, Paris.’ by Charlotte Hern from Malvern (Plaster & Bronze)
Highly Commended:
Main Prize: Highly Commended
‘Studio Still Life, No 2’ by Mark Owen from Teddington, London (Oil)
Local Artist Highly Commended
‘Rotor’ by Chris Johns from Warwick (Kinetic sculpture, Steel)
New Entrant: Highly Commended
‘Dry Riverbed’ By Helen Wilkinson from Brailes, Warwickshire (Oil)
Sculpture: Highly Commended
‘With the Flow’ by Richard Ballantyne from Buckinghamshire (Ceramic Raku)
Oils/Acrylics: Highly Commended
‘Untamed Tenderness’ by Lynn Edward from Bibury, Gloucs (Oil)
Still Life: Highly Commended
‘Painting Notes’ by Greta Vilidaite from Sheffield
Visit the exhibition to see all the finalists
at Theatrebarn in Bretforton
The exhibition is open daily from 11am – 4pm Friday 25th September to Sunday 4th October 2025 (free entry and free parking)
