Rugby Open 2024 - Rugby Art Gallery & Museum
Rugby Open 2024
An exhibition of contemporary art
30 November 2024 - 22 February 2025
Rugby Open brings together a diverse range of high-quality contemporary art from emerging and established artists from the local area and includes dozens of pieces from across the arts, from paintings and prints to textiles and ceramics.
Artists from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Coventry are invited to submit up to 3 pieces for the exhibition. An independent panel of judges selects works for the exhibition.
There is an adult category and youth category (ages 14-19 years).
We are making efforts to improve the accessibility of all our exhibitions and therefore if selected, artists will be invited to contribute small tactile items to accompany their work i.e. samples of material used in the work, miniature object representing the image eg. a pebble for a stony beach scene.
Artists from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Coventry are invited to submit up to 3 pieces for the exhibition. An independent panel of judges selects works for the exhibition.
There is an adult category and youth category (ages 14-19 years).
We are making efforts to improve the accessibility of all our exhibitions and therefore if selected, artists will be invited to contribute small tactile items to accompany their work i.e. samples of material used in the work, miniature object representing the image eg. a pebble for a stony beach scene.
How to apply
Complete the online application form. Hard copies are available as a downloadable pdf or from the Visitor Centre or can be sent on request.
Application form submission deadline: Monday 18 November 2024
Up to 3 works can be submitted. The actual works must be submitted to the gallery for selection from the dates listed below.
YOUTH category - Delivery of artwork for judging panel: Tuesday 19 November 12pm-6.30pm
ADULT category - Delivery of artwork for judging panel: Friday 22 November 12pm-5pm & Saturday 23 November 10.30am-3.30pm
Selection Panel meets: Monday 25 November. The selection panel changes each year. Rugby Art Gallery & Museum staff are not involved in the decision process.
Notification of selection panel decision: Tuesday 26 November
Unselected works collection: Wednesday 27 November 12 noon – 7pm
Preview Event: Friday 29 November 5.30pm – 8pm.
Collection of unsold works: Monday 24 February 2025, 10.30am – 7pm
Application form submission deadline: Monday 18 November 2024
Up to 3 works can be submitted. The actual works must be submitted to the gallery for selection from the dates listed below.
YOUTH category - Delivery of artwork for judging panel: Tuesday 19 November 12pm-6.30pm
ADULT category - Delivery of artwork for judging panel: Friday 22 November 12pm-5pm & Saturday 23 November 10.30am-3.30pm
Selection Panel meets: Monday 25 November. The selection panel changes each year. Rugby Art Gallery & Museum staff are not involved in the decision process.
Notification of selection panel decision: Tuesday 26 November
Unselected works collection: Wednesday 27 November 12 noon – 7pm
Preview Event: Friday 29 November 5.30pm – 8pm.
Collection of unsold works: Monday 24 February 2025, 10.30am – 7pm
The 2024 judges
Eileen Cooper RA OBE
Eileen Cooper is an artist known for her strong and passionate commitment to figuration. Originally from the Peak District, Cooper has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. Her work is held in many public and private collections including the Tate Gallery; the Arts Council Collection; the British Museum; Manchester Art Gallery; Mima, Middlesborough; New Hall Art Collection, University of Cambridge; the Royal Collection; Victoria & Albert Museum; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas; Kunsthalle, Nuremberg; Walpole Library, Yale University.
Professional artist/art influencer
To be confirmed.
Local representative
Anna Lorimer
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke
Arts and Leisure portfolio holder, Rugby Borough Council.
Eileen Cooper is an artist known for her strong and passionate commitment to figuration. Originally from the Peak District, Cooper has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally. Her work is held in many public and private collections including the Tate Gallery; the Arts Council Collection; the British Museum; Manchester Art Gallery; Mima, Middlesborough; New Hall Art Collection, University of Cambridge; the Royal Collection; Victoria & Albert Museum; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas; Kunsthalle, Nuremberg; Walpole Library, Yale University.
Professional artist/art influencer
To be confirmed.
Local representative
Anna Lorimer
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke
Arts and Leisure portfolio holder, Rugby Borough Council.
A look back at the 2023 Rugby Open
Rugby Open 2023 Winner
Julie Krajicek – ‘Found Family’ Series (2 pictures in the Show Found Family: The Pink Slippers and Found Family: The Welcome)Mayor’s Award:
Joanna Bryan – Balance 1
The Arts Society Trophy:
Jacqueline Terrett – I am Leviathan
Anna Lorimer Framing Award:
Mark Curtis Hughes – 12% pantomime
Mcready Theatre:
Judy Haslam-Jones – The ‘Journey’ Series
Coombe Abbey:
Bridget Aldridge – Ceramics ‘Sunburst’, ‘Turmoil’ and ‘Moody Duet’
New Leaf Catering: Draycote Water:
Amy Bonsor - Murmuration
Art at the Alex 2D award:
Val Hunt – Coronation Invitation Necklace
Art at the Alex 3D award:
Leah Stuart – St Marks Basilica, Venice
Warwickshire Open Studios EMERGE award:
Jacob Walden – Myself and Crow #5
Rugby Open 2023 Youth Winner
Hope Bland – My Friend The EnemyHighly Commended:
Jacob Walden – Myself and Crow #5
Highly Commended:
Heather Farquharson – The Greener Grass
Highly Commended:
Emilie Farndon – Growing Old Disgracefully
Julie Krajicek Rugby Open 2023
People's Choice Vote
The People's Choice Award 2024
Sparrows by VeSA
Visitors said "This is captivating - beautifully drawn, such movement in the pencil work - I could look at it for hours // very sensitive drawing// it's beautiful // beautiful // I love the dynamic, the charge and togetherness of the flock // You can hear it! Used to live in a place with a very old massive tree. Every morning the sparrows were chatting inside the tree branches. It reminds me of that. // Beautiful composition, detail of birds and wonderful pencilwork// Displays the essence of their little but sparkling lives// This artwork truly makes me feel like I'm home// How do you choose?!// Wonderful drawing//"
Sparrows by VeSA
Visitors said "This is captivating - beautifully drawn, such movement in the pencil work - I could look at it for hours // very sensitive drawing// it's beautiful // beautiful // I love the dynamic, the charge and togetherness of the flock // You can hear it! Used to live in a place with a very old massive tree. Every morning the sparrows were chatting inside the tree branches. It reminds me of that. // Beautiful composition, detail of birds and wonderful pencilwork// Displays the essence of their little but sparkling lives// This artwork truly makes me feel like I'm home// How do you choose?!// Wonderful drawing//"