Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition

Bath Society of Artists’ 116th Annual Open Exhibition will open at the Victoria Art Gallery on 2 October and run until 20 November 2021.

Image: Tim Carroll, Orchard

Art enthusiasts will be able to browse and buy from a selection of over 250 fabulous paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by the region’s top artistic talent, at prices to suit every pocket.

Last year the hugely popular exhibition moved online due to Covid-19, but this year art lovers will once again be able to enjoy the show in real life at the Gallery and place their votes for the Public Choice Prize.

Alongside the exhibition, all of the works will be available to view and buy online from 12 October at www.victoriagal.org.uk/bathsociety2021. 

Any artist aged 18 or over can submit work for possible selection, and all of the artworks are for sale. More than 100 works were sold at both the 2019 and 2020 exhibitions.

Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We’re delighted that the Bath Society of Artists exhibition will be back at the Victoria Art Gallery this year. The show is a key event in Bath’s artistic calendar, and a wonderful showcase for local and regional talent. As always, admission will be free for local residents – visit the Gallery website to find out more and book a free ticket.”

Tim Carroll, Honorary Exhibition Organiser at Bath Society of Artists, added: “The Annual Open Exhibition is a great opportunity for artists from all over the country to showcase their work in a marvellous gallery space as well as having their art exhibited online."

Marc Quinn will select the 3D prize winner; Fiona Robinson PRWA and David Simon of David Simon Contemporary will together select the remaining prize winners.

The prizes on offer include:

• Bath Society of Artists Prize of £1,500

• Runner-up prize of £750

• Public Choice Prize of £500

• Prize for a 3D work of £250 

• Young Artist Prize of £250

• Painting Prize of £250

• Drawing Prize of £250

• Print Prize of £250

Bath Society of Artists was founded in 1904 with 26 members. It has grown over the years to a membership of about 120 diverse artists. Many distinguished 20th-century painters have exhibited with the Society including Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, Philip Wilson Steer, Gilbert Spencer, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden, William Scott and Howard Hodgkin.