THE annual Open Exhibition, showcasing the best paintings, prints and drawings by artists from around the region, will be held at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington from June 15 to July 20.

As the name suggests, the selling exhibition is open to both amateur and professional artists and there is no limitation as to subject matter or style, ensuring the display of an interesting and diverse range of works.

The chance to display artwork at the Open Exhibition is much sought after and highly competitive, resulting in only the highest quality items being chosen by the panel of professional artists, which this year includes Bonnie Brown, Tim Craven and Gerry Dudgeon.

Although it’s open to any artist from across the UK, most entries come from Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex.

The first prize, the Clarke Willmott Award for overall merit, is worth £250 to the winning artist, while the runner-up will receive the Mackenzie and Mackenzie Award (£200). Further prizes include the Mary Symons Memorial Award for the best print (£250) and the Beaulieu Fine Arts Award for best work by a non-professional artist who will receive £50 worth of framing.

l Tickets to the Open Exhibition and museum, which is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, cost £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and students, £2 for children aged five to 15, and £10 for a family of two adults and up to four children; under fives are admitted free of charge.