Art for art’s sake
C ONTEMPORARY art space The Harley Gallery, on the Welbeck Estate between Mansfield and Worksop, has revealed its winning entries for the 2019 Harley Open Art Competition.
This year’s Harley Prize is shared between two pieces, 250 Years Of Circus by Susan Dodd and Islanded Tent by Joanna Whittle.
They will share the £1,000 prize, donated by The Harley Foundation.
Derbyshire artist Susan said: “I’m so surprised and honoured to be chosen for this prize at such a wonderful gallery.
“Having two works selected for the exhibition was amazing enough, but to be joint winner of The Harley Prize is incredible.
“I love The Harley Gallery and try to visit all the exhibitions, the Peter Blake being a highlight for me. The variety and excellence of the shows is a constant surprise and pleasure. I cannot thank the judges enough for the prize – I am gobsmacked.” Susan worked in theatre and museums after studying art in the 70s. She then went on to become an antique dealer which encouraged and facilitated her collecting and hoarding.
Describing her work, she said: “I’ve always loved excess in art, but my work is about creating order out of chaos. Everything I produce tells a story, but it’s up to the viewer to decide what that story is.”
With over 550 entries, some 105 pieces were chosen to go on display as part of The Harley Open 2019, which runs alongside 2017 winner Jéréme Crow’s exhibition A Painted Conversation.
Joint winner, Zambia born painter, Joanna said she was thrilled to share the top slot, saying: “It’s been fantastic to have been chosen for this prestigious exhibition and to have Islanded Tent selected for a prize among other great work has been really amazing.
“As a painter who makes very small and quiet landscapes, it is great to have this work recognised in this selection.”
Now based in Sheffield, Joanna has shown nationally and internationally in both solo and group exhibitions and has undertaken a number of public commissions.
In 2018 she was selected for the John Moores Painting Prize exhibition at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery.
Other Artists who received prizes were Geoff Hewitt – The Judges Prize, Tracey Keeping – The School of Artisan Food Prize, Mark Elsmore – Welbeck Farm Shop Prize, Henrietta Corbett – Storycatchers Prize, and Vicky Platt – Welbeck Abbey Brewery Prize.
Lisa Gee, director of The Harley Gallery and Trustee of foundation, said: “It’s been great to see so many artists putting work forward.
“We knew it was going to be a tall order selecting the successful pieces from the wide variety of works to choose from.
“These ranged from abstract paintings, portraits and landscapes to photography, textiles and creative design and the end result is a strong exhibition celebrating the artistic talent of the region and further afield.”
The People’s Prize remains open and visitors will have the opportunity to nominate their favourite piece from the exhibition.
Each winner will be presented with their awards at a public prize-giving reception to be held at The Harley Gallery on Saturday, March 2, from noon until 2pm. and will be announced at the prize-giving event.
The Gallery is located in The Courtyard at Welbeck, A60 Mansfield Road, Welbeck, Worksop.
The variety and excellence of the shows is a constant surprise and pleasure Winner Susan Dodd on the Harley gallery