Winners Announced of the 2026 Open Exhibition
Judges with the winning piece - Cycling on Black Ice Is Not Advisable, artist Anita Clark and model Bel
Ilminster Arts Centre celebrated the outstanding talent of artists from across the region at the 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event, held on Wednesday. Friends, artists and supporters gathered to recognise this year's award winners following another exceptional exhibition showcasing a diverse range of artwork.
The judging panel - Mike Lanigan, Fiona Campbell, Julia McKenzie, John Gammans and Bryony Tidball faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an impressive field of entries, reflecting the high standard of work throughout the South West artistic community.
Overall Winner
The Overall Prize was awarded to Anita Clark for Cycling on Black Ice Is Not Advisable.
The judges described the piece as:
"Powerful and intriguing with a defiant gaze. You almost breathe a sigh of relief at the title, but very nuanced and thought-provoking."
Runners-Up
The two Runners-Up were Gail Mason for Thicket and Emma Molony for A Company of Wolves.
Speaking about Thicket, the judges commented:
"A beautiful sense of light, colour and texture. Very evocative, with a strong sense of time and place."
Of A Company of Wolves, they said:
"Another unsettling narrative that makes you think - a well-known tale retold. Beautifully printed and delicately executed."
Highly Commended
Highly Commended awards were presented to:
Veronica Broadley – No More Pilchards
Jane Barnard – River Reflections
Tom Watson – Look Within & Beyond
Emerging Artist Award
Beccy Swaine and Fiona Campbell from Somerset Art Works, who sponsor the Emerging Artist Award, presented the winning prize to Ella Rees for Tongue-Tied in an Upstream Disco.
The judges praised the work, saying:
"Strange and magical narrative. A fish out of water and an off-kilter perspective. Wonderfully imaginative and well executed."
Judge Fiona Campbell added:
"Great title! We felt it was strong, brave, intriguing, with a dynamic composition and some fabulous fleshy tones. It feels awkward, in an interesting way. Although it clearly has a personal story, it is also a possible commentary on current times."
Ilminster Arts Centre extends its sincere thanks to the judges - Mike Lanigan, Fiona Campbell, Julia McKenzie and John Gammans for their expertise and thoughtful deliberation. Thanks also go to Beccy Swaine from Somerset Art Works, Ilminster Deputy Mayor Cllr Ben Jenner-Hurford, and the exhibition's generous sponsor, Branston, whose continual support helped make this year's Open Exhibition such a success.
The Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition celebrate both established and emerging artists, providing an important platform for local creative talent.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners and exhibitors for contributing to another inspiring and memorable Open Exhibition.
The exhibition will run until the 31st July 2026, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 AM – 3.00 PM.
Each winner will be invited to participate in our Prize Winners' Exhibition, to be held during January 2027.