Sharing people’s stories through art in a new exhibition

Visitors have until 30 October to vote for their favourite artwork in an annual exhibition showcasing the work of the county’s residents, with a focus on the representation of people.

This year, 69 submissions were received, with the 49 that have been shortlisted on display in the Garden Gallery at the Oxfordshire County Council run Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock.

The exhibition included prizes for artworks that most effectively depicted the theme of people. First and second prizes were awarded by the two guest judges, Woodstock Councillor Andy Graham, Danielle Hoevenaars, Head of Collections and Registrar at Woodstock Art Gallery in Canada, and artist, Tiffany Black.

There is also an award category “People’s choice” which allows visitors to vote for their own personal favourite.

Jemma Davey, Museum Service Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Residents of all ages have contributed a piece to our exhibition.

“The result is a diverse collection of pieces that depict human beings from all different walks of life. Many different mediums are used from textiles to ink, and sculpture to photography. All are to be found in this exhibition that explores the many representations of people.

“It was also great to involve the Head of Collections from our namesake Woodstock Art Gallery in Canada in the judging!

“I would really encourage people to drop by before 30 October to have a look for themselves and vote for their own favourite. 

First prize was won by Peter Ross with his entry “Emma Groves, Belfast 1978”, which focuses on a victim of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Peter said: “I was surprised and delighted to have won a prize in the Oxfordshire Open Art Exhibition at the Museum in Woodstock. Especially as there were so many other interesting works with such a variety of ideas and approaches. Thank you very much to the judges”

Danielle Hoevenaars, Guest Judge and Head of Collections and Registrar at Woodstock Art Gallery said: “Thank you to Oxfordshire Museum and to the exhibition organizers for inviting me to be a juror for the Open Art Competition.

“As a new member of the team at the Woodstock Art Gallery in Woodstock Canada, it has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and build upon the budding relationship between our two Woodstock’s. It has been a delight to experience the creativity of a talented roster of Oxfordshire artists and to hear the unique perspectives of my fellow jurors, in what were very engaging and enjoyable discussions.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the award winners and to all participating artists. Every applicant has inspired me through their creativity and their generosity in sharing their work. Thank you for all you do as artists, to share your art, your passion, and your perspective with your community.”

Joint second prizes went to Princess Green with the inspirational “Bolingo”, a self-portrait of an African-British woman, and Liesa Gutgart with the piece “Concentration”.

Find out more and what’s on throughout the year by visiting The Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

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