A record number of artists submitted their work to the Open exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG).

The finalists have been announced for the THG Open 2023. The Open is a key part of THG’s exhibition programme showcasing the talent of established and emerging contemporary visual artists.

THG recorded over 400 artworks and welcomed many more entries from emerging artists under the age of 25. The gallery's new youth project, Create Our Space (COS), gives young artists a platform to develop their skills with various training opportunities. Several of the selected artists under 25 are recent graduates.

Helen Freeman has just finished a degree in Fine Art. Her broader practice is collage but she also uses ink, watercolour and silk painting.

‘Eating Out’ was created this year from my daily collage practice using the social media app ‘BeReal’ as the inspiration and starting point. BeReal prompts you to take a photo at a random time, once a day. I make my own papers and use parts from other work.

Elaoise Benson is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Somerset, who has recently graduated in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. 

My abstract paintings draw inspiration from explorations of the Somerset countryside. I believe that establishing deeper connections within our local environment can provide a core foundation for fighting climate change on a larger scale. I have found that nature can become a place of healing and spiritual restoration.

Jake Kehar Gill is a photographer who studied Photographic Arts at the University of Westminster. His work encompasses Fine Art And Fashion Photography, emphasising the human body.

I am concerned with communication and the limits of our physical restraints. I use the language of fashion to tap into notions of mental health. My palette focuses on body, posture, and garments, revealing that communication is far more complex than we perceive.

Many of the artists in the final selection were inspired by environmental themes with some using sustainable materials in their work reflecting THG's Creative Programme 'Landscapes in Time' challenging perceptions and posing environmental and social questions.

Amy Barker has mainly painted in oils and acrylics but decided to switched to watercolour to showcase this often underrated medium. 'Paradise' is part of a series of work looking at climate change and its consequences.

This work of a bird's-eye view in watercolour raises the terrible issue of drowned migrants at sea and on our coasts. The painting juxtaposes the idyllic landscape and colours with the horrors of what is happening. I want it to challenge observers through its disturbing subject matter whilst also looking like peaceful swimmers at a beach. 

The judging panel was led by THG Curator Ruth Gooding, THG Curator alongside Ciara Devaney-Dykes, Undergraduate University of Exeter, Dr Ella S Mills, Associate Lecturer Art History University of Plymouth and Heather Penwarden, Chair - Dementia Friendly Honiton and Deputy Lead Governor - Royal Devon Hospital.

The artworks selected by the judging panel will be exhibited at THG in Honiton from 2 September to 28 October. The prize winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on Saturday 2 September, 3-5pm.

The top prize is £500 thanks to the generosity of sponsors Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood auctioneers and the Visitors’ Choice prize of £100 is kindly sponsored by The Holt, Honiton.

The recipient of the Main Prize will earn the opportunity to exhibit their work in a solo exhibition at the award-winning public art gallery and the Best Emerging Artist will win a solo exhibition in the THG project space.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to vote in the gallery for their favourite piece to win the Visitors’ Choice Award at the end of the exhibition.

THG Open 2023: 2 September - 28 October
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 5.
Private View Saturday 2 September, 3-5pm with prize-giving at 3.30pm.

Create Organic: Saturday 23 September, 11 - 4. Art activities. Light refreshments available.

For activities coordinating with this exhibition including painting, printmaking and natural dyeing, visit thelmahulbert.com/whats-on/workshops