AN EXHIBITION that showcases artistic talent from across the East Midlands will open at Leicester’s flagship museum tomorrow (Saturday 10 December).
Open 33 will feature works by local people – from complete beginners to seasoned professionals – that were selected by a panel of independent judges from more than 800 entries.
The paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints and photographs on display have been created by artists aged 19 and over who live or study in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire.
Work by young artists aged five to 18 is also on display.
Cllr Piara Singh Clair, deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, said: “The annual open exhibition always attracts a huge amount of interest from all kinds of artists.
“Now in its 33rd, year, it provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in the fabulous surroundings of the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, and it’s a great way to celebrate the rich artistic diversity of the region.
“From Saturday (10 December), members of the public will be able see all these extraordinary works for themselves – and maybe be inspired to take part next year.”
All the artworks on display are available to buy, with prices starting at £50. Purchased pieces can be collected from the museum after Sunday 22 January.
Supporting the exhibition will be a series of free workshops, starting tomorrow (Saturday 10 December) with a family-friendly event called ‘Make it! Do it’. Sessions run at 11.30am and 2.30pm and will be repeated on 17 December, 7 January and 14 January.
The Open 33 exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery opens to the public on Saturday 10 December and runs until 20 January 2023.
Admission to the museum, and to the Open 33 exhibition, is free of charge.
Leicester City Council is grateful to the following organisations for their generous sponsorship: Arch Creative, Art House, Curve, CVAN East Midlands (Contemporary Visual Arts Network), De Montfort Hall, LCB Depot, Leicester Print Workshop, Phoenix, Soft Touch Arts.