Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s annual Open Art Exhibition features a variety of mediums including paintings, photography, textiles, jewellery and sculptures.
The works have been selected by a panel of artists and curators.
This year, there has been an ‘unprecedented number’ of applications, resulting in 269 pieces of work by 125 artists on display at the Durham County Council venue’s gallery until February 15.Illustrations by Stuart Trotter in The Rupert Annual (Image: DCC)
Among the artists is Stuart Trotter, an illustrator, author, and publisher of children’s picture books from Ferryhill.
He has three of his works on display.
Mr Trotter started his career as an illustrator in 1978 and has worked on popular projects including Postman Pat, Wallace and Gromit, Kipper, Noddy, and Winnie the Pooh.
He has been writing and illustrating The Rupert Annual for the past 17 years.
The three images on display are expected to stir feelings of nostalgia among those who grew up reading about Rupert’s adventures in the 1950s – and introduce this iconic character to a new generation.
The exhibition also features the work of 11 young artists from County Durham, aged 11 to 18.Glass art (Image: DCC)
Among them is Callum Wilkinson from Chilton, who has three fused-glass pieces on display.
Having recently started his artist residency at Durham Sixth Form Centre, Callum’s practice involves layering pieces of glass to create imagery or patterns.
The glass is then fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius, before being cooled at a controlled rate.
His pieces can take up to 26 hours to complete, while his bowls and plates require up to 50 hours as they need a second firing to shape the glass.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The standard of applications for this year’s Open Art Exhibition was incredibly high, which demonstrates the wealth of talent that exists in County Durham.
“There’s a great deal of variety too and the result is an exhibition that excites and inspires.”
“We are delighted to include work by Stuart, whose illustrations have brought so much joy to so many children and secured County Durham a place in the Rupert Bear story.
“It’s also a great pleasure to showcase the creative talents of Callum and the other young artists featured.
“As the Culture County, we are committed to nurturing young talent and providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.”
The Bishop Auckland Town Hall Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, and entry is free.
More information can be found on their website.