Poole’s history is one of the inspirations behind artwork of a new exhibition at Poole Museum.
Poole Open 2014, intended to become a new biannual arts competition, includes work by 67 UK-based artists aged 16 and over, selected from over 200 entries.
The entries, selected by a panel including the Director of the Royal West of England Academy Alison Bevan, were required to reflect the themes of the collections in Poole Museum, including the logboat, Poole’s clay industry and Poole’s port and town.
According to Poole Council Arts Development Officer Dom Kippin, “There are two large galleries in Poole Museum, but not much other space for art in the town. We wanted to give artists the opportunity to use these spaces.”
He also said: “There’s so much in Poole museum to inspire artists.”
The exhibition includes works by paper sculptor Sher Christopher and artist Jason Miller.
Mayor of Poole Cllr Philip Eades opened the exhibition yesterday evening.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the Museum before 5 May to see the wonderful displays for themselves.” – Cllr Philip Eades
He said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the Museum before 5 May to see the wonderful displays for themselves.”
There are a variety of prizes to be awarded to winning entries, including having an exhibition for a winner’s work held in Poole Museum in 2016, and an exhibition in the National Trust café on Brownsea Island.
Poole Councillor Xena Dion said: “It is fantastic how artists continue to be inspired by Poole. This new exhibition at Poole Museum brings a new interpretation on the town’s rich and varied history, as well as the opportunity to discover exciting new artists.”
