Beverley Art Gallery is working with ‘The Critical Fish’ and also East Riding Theatre in a competition for young people.
Two paintings from the Art Gallery collection are the subject of the competition. They are ‘In The Studio’ by Fred Elwell which shows his fiancée Mary as an artist in her studio.
The other is a joyful composition called ‘Single Seed Head across Yorkshire Wolds’ by John Sprakes. This from the current show ‘Journey into Abstraction’.
Entrants are being asked to choose one of the paintings as a starting point for their own piece of original writing. Then you will need to respond to the painting as a whole or to a particular part of it.
The writing can be descriptive, issue-based, or a creative response such as a poem, short play or story. Entrants could write about people, places, gender, colour, texture or composition.
There is also the opportunity for entrants to create an original artwork in response to Mary Aherne’s poem ‘Heirloom’.
Curator of Beverley Art Gallery Helena Cox said;
“I am delighted to be working with The Critical Fish and East Riding Theatre in bringing young people a prompt to be creative.”
“Especially pleasing for me is to see two paintings from Beverley Art Gallery used as the creative prompts. One of them is our ‘star item.”
“I can’t wait to read the writing that will be submitted, and I would like to most cordially invite all young creatives to give it a go.”
Prizes Will Be Awarded To Winners In Each Competition Category
In all, there are three age groups with a prize of £50 for the best piece of writing and for the best artwork. There will also be a prize of £100 for the overall winner. While the closing date for entries is 15 May at 22.00.
The judges will be looking for imaginative and also resourceful responses to the chosen starting point. The competition includes opportunities for mentoring.
Entrants can contact ‘The Critical Fish’ to discuss the progress of their work. They will be teamed up with an artist, writer or curator.
Jill Howitt of ‘The Critical Fish’ added;
“This is an opportunity for you to explore your own ideas and also personal style.”
“There is no wrong or right way to respond. Have the courage of your convictions, create something you want to make, experiment, take risks and above all enjoy the process.”
Full details of the competition can be found online by clicking here.
