Women get the vote at academy

Art work from London, Ireland, Austria and Hong Kong will sit alongside some of the South West’s favourite artists once again at The South West Academy’s prestigious Open Exhibition at Exeter Castle.

This year’s exhibition, from November 11 to 23, has a truly regional, national and international flavour.

It also has a unique feature of 100 paintings from the Academy’s women members – marking the 100th Anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 granting women aged 30 and over the right to vote.

Members of the public can also enjoy the right to vote at the exhibition from a shortlist of works for the People’s Choice Prize sponsored by The Marine House Gallery.

As a registered charity the Academy is grateful to all of this year’s prize sponsors: Brewin Dolphin, the Brownston Gallery, the Sculpture School, Pegasus

Art, The Artists’ Publishing Company and artist, Simeon Stafford.

Entry to the exhibition is free 10am to 5pm, finishing at 4.30pm on Friday, November 23, but donations are welcome.

You can enjoy a guided exhibition tour at 2pm on Thursday, November 15 by Academy Chair Bob Mountjoy and Trustee Annie Ward.

There is a free talk by Trustee, Simon Butler about Olive Hockin, artist and suffragette at 2.30pm on Saturday, November 17 in the Castle Ballroom.

The Academy’s Open Exhibition is well known for the excellent range and variety of paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures on offer with both contemporary and more traditional works to inspire.

As well as the original art work being for sale, you will find cards, prints, a selection of art books and the ever-popular Secret Sales – small works wrapped and chosen unseen!

For an on-line catalogue of the exhibition and for more information about the Academy and its members go to www.southwestacademy.org.uk