Ilminster Arts Centre Announces Winners of Open Exhibition 2025
Ilminster Arts Centre is proud to announce the winners of its highly anticipated Open Exhibition 2025, an annual celebration of regional artistic talent which opened to the public on 17 June and runs through 18 July 2025.
This year's exhibition once again welcomed submissions from across the region, drawing entries from both emerging and established artists working in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and digital collage. Selected works now feature in what has become a major platform for artistic talent in Somerset, attracting visitors and collectors alike.
An expert panel of judges—including Carol Carey, Creative Director of Somerset Art Works; artists Sally Wetherall and Robin Mackenzie; Ilminster Arts Centre Manager Bryony Tidball; and sculptor Mike Lanigan—carefully reviewed hundreds of submissions to curate the final exhibition and select this year’s winners.
2025 Winners Announced
The Overall Winner was awarded to Susan Lawrence for her striking piece Steve’s Carrot. The judges were united in their praise for the work, describing it as both humorous and technically accomplished.
“The carrot is presented almost as an icon, inviting the viewer to engage with it and appreciate it for more than just a humble vegetable.” – Robin Mackenzie, Judge 2025
“The composition is brave, and the use of colour is subtle and luminous. It's a quietly powerful piece.” – Sally Wetherall, Judge 2025
Two Runners-Up were named:
Victoria Garland – Pig Gone Wild
Sally Hebeler – Flight of Imagination
Three Highly Commended artists received recognition for exceptional work:
Lawrence Nash – Ref 2411
John Gammans – Wind Abstract No.20
Sue Smallwood – Epicentre
The Emerging Artist Prize—open to students and recent graduates—was awarded to Rebecca Mitchell for The Quiet Chaos of the Mind, which received particular acclaim from the judges.
“A ‘lived-in’ composition with a muted palette that draws you into a moment of quiet digital absorption. It’s a scene that resonates deeply in our post-pandemic world.” – Beccy Swaine, Somerset Art Works
The Visitors' Choice Award will be announced at the end of the exhibition, as guests continue to cast their votes throughout the month.
All winners will be invited to return to exhibit at the Arts Centre early next year.
Celebration and Support
A well-attended prize-giving ceremony was held on Wednesday 18 June, with special guests from exhibition sponsor Branston, Ilminster town Mayor and representatives from Somerset Art Works, as well as several members of the judging panel.
This year’s Open Exhibition is made possible through the continued support of Somerset Art Works and generous sponsorship from Branston, a respected local business committed to supporting the arts in the region.
Visit the Exhibition
The Ilminster Open Exhibition 2025 runs until 18 July, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM at Ilminster Arts Centre, East Street, Ilminster.