Bolton Museum’s Open Art Exhibition is showcasing the town’s ‘vibrant’ creative scene after a competition for local artists.
The competition invited anyone aged 16 and over who currently lives, works, or studies within Bolton to take part, and over 240 submissions were received.
A panel of independent judges selected the pieces for the exhibition, as well as the two prize winners.
The winner of the Young Artist Award was art student Olivia Edge, who won the £250 prize for her painting Rewilding.
“I was just so happy to be involved with it,” said Olivia, who is in her second year of a Fine Art course at the University of Greater Manchester.
Her painting shows how nature takes over buildings once they are abandoned, inspired by a derelict building behind her old school.
Some of Olivia’s university lecturers were also picked to be a part of the exhibition, making her award celebrations even nicer.
“It was kind of like this little family of everybody coming together in a way, so it’s quite nice for them to be in with me at the same time.”
She says she will enter the competition again next time and hopes to become an art teacher after she finishes her degree.
Richard Wood won the Winner’s Prize of £1000 for his artwork Ghost Chimneys.
His art is based on fictionalised scenes of the industrial north, and he aims to “capture a nostalgic feeling of old Lancashire towns” through his paintings.
“I think it’s really important for local artists to have a venue to come and show their work and get other people looking at it.
“I think it’s a really positive thing for local artists, as there seems to be quite a lot of in Bolton, so it’s a good event,” he adds.
For exhibition curator Matthew Watson, it’s all about showcasing the abundance of creative talent in the area.
“There’s a really vibrant artistic scene in Bolton,” he said.
“Lots of artists making work at home or in their studios, lots of semi-professional and non-professional as well as professional artists.
“Having this exhibition, which we do every few years, it’s just a great chance for artists to have their work seen in a really popular venue and also to sell their work as well.”
The exhibition features a range of art styles, including paintings, ceramics, film, and textiles.
Many of the works in the exhibition are up for sale, with the artists setting their own prices and taking the profits.
Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork to win the Visitors’ Choice Award, sponsored by Bromleys Art Supplies.
Councillor Nadeem Ayub said that the range of responses to the competition highlights how ‘vibrant and diverse’ the artist community of Bolton is.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people seizing the chance to showcase their skills in such a respected setting.
“I’m sure visitors will be captivated by the imagination, originality, and sheer talent on show in our fantastic town that has great connections to the creative arts scene,” Cllr Ayub added.
The exhibition will run at Bolton Museum until 17 May.
Admission to the museum and the exhibition is free.