Submit your entries to the UK's largest open art competition at Patchings Art Centre

Calling all artists! There is still time to submit your work into the UK's largest open art competition at Patchings Art Centre. We caught up with Hannah Ball, from The Artists’ Publishing Company to learn more about the annual art competition (currently in its 16th year) and how you can get involved. The Artist magazines recently launched the 2013 Patchings Open Art Competition, with the final exhibitions to be held at the Patchings Art Centre in Calverton, just eight miles from Nottingham City Centre. Painters and artists working in two dimensions in all media are invited to submit their work for this prestigious art competition. There are £11,500 worth of prizes available over two categories, some of which include a four-day residential Art Summer School at Knuston Hall and three prizes of £250 worth of Caran d’Ache art supplies. The Artist and Leisure Painter Patchings Open represents a fantastic opportunity for artists to raise their profiles and further their careers, and encourages entries from all artists. Peter Kelly who won an award last year said “A rewarding and enjoyable experience, and definitely to be continued. I am optimistic about the future and look forward to submitting to Patchings again.” As well as art materials and training, the winners are also awarded publicity in The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines to help them achieve greater recognition. Their works go on show at the Patchings Art Centre, during the Patchings Art, Craft & Design Festival, which last year saw over 12,000 visitors and this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Here, their works are placed on sale in the gallery and online. Gillian Stevens won the £1,500 The Artist Purchase Prize Award last year and said “Winning the 2012 prize came as a huge surprise. I always tell people that I would go on painting even if I never sold another painting in my life, but the truth is, a little encouragement from time to time, can be a great stimulus for creativity.” Seventy selected works from each category (there are two) will be exhibited in two separate galleries at Patchings Art Centre from June 6 to July 21 2013. Plus, all entrants receive a free one-day show ticket worth £8.50. Artist of all abilities can enter online here. If you have any question about the competition, they can be submitted on the Patchings Art Competition Facebook page here. [Picture Credits Featured image: John Collins Threemu’s, watercolour Inset image: Gillian Stevens Allotment View, acrylic] ____________________________________________ Thinking of entering? Please see below for details. Q: What is the closing date for entries? A: 28 March 2013. Q: When is the Patchings Festival running? A: The Festival runs from June 6 to June 9 2012, with the competition exhibitions running to July 2013 in the main galleries at the centre. Q: What is the Festival address? A: Patchings Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton, Nottinghamshire, NG14 6NU Q: How many pieces of work can I enter? A: Three per person. Q: What is the cost per entry? A: £15 for up to three works per person Q: What media can I enter? A: All artists are invited to enter two-dimensional works in any media. Q: How do I submit my entries? A: Click here for full details on submission online or by post Q: What category should I enter? A: There are two separate categories: the Leisure Painter category for beginners and amateur painters or The Artist category for experienced amateur painters up to full-time professionals. Q: Who will be judging the Awards this year? A: Submissions are judged by a panel of experienced judges: Sally Bulgin, Editor The Artist, Ingrid Lyon, Editor, Leisure Painter, Liz Wood, artist and co-owner of Patchings Art Centre; David Curtis ROI, RSMA; and Peter Welton, Emeritus Professor of Fine Art, De Montfort University, Leicester. Guest judge for 2013, Ken Howard OBE, RA, will help select this year’s The Artist Purchase Prize winner. Q: I have a question not asked here, where can I ask it? A: Please ask any question via our Patchings Art Competition Facebook page here