The Ferens flings its doors open for Hull’s artists

The 51^st annual Open Exhibition features more than 300 works created by both professional and amateur local artists with every style of art on display from watercolour landscapes to portraits, photography and sculpture.

Among the most eye-catching of the works on offer this year are a portrait of BBC Radio Humberside presenter David Burns and a picture of local landmark Pauline’s Gift Shop, on Hull’s Princes Avenue.

Kirsten Simister, Ferens Gallery curator of art, said the Open was a perennial favourite in the gallery’s diary and a great way for local artists to showcase what they are capable of.

She said: “The important thing about it is to nurture and support local artists and local creativity. This year we have got about 310 works in the exhibition.”

This year the successful artworks were picked from hundreds of entries by an expert panel including Rosie Millard, chair of Hull 2017 City of Culture company, and Turner prize nominee Hurvin Anderson.

Kirsten, said: “I think it’s really important for the artists who are submitting that they feel their work is being looked at by people who have a knowledge and an expertise in the subject. The judges this year have been really excellent.”

Sculptor Saffron Waghorn, who has two pieces in the Open, said: “I was ecstatic when I heard because what I really love about it is that people who don’t usually get a chance to get their work in can get it seen by a wider audience.”

Fellow artist Joe Cox, whose graphic depiction of the 12 bridges of Hull is also on display, said: “It’s great to get a chance to get local work on show for everyone to see - and also possibly sell it too, which is nice.

“I’m pretty sure there are all ages and abilities on display here too, which shows anyone can have a go.”

The Ferens Art Gallery open Exhibition runs until Sunday, April 22.

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