Gallery will feature 163 works by artists from the north west

THE highly-anticipated Stockport Open Exhibition has returned to the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery this year.

The exhibition includes a diverse mix of artworks.

After receiving 247 entries from artists, sculptors, designer makers, photographers and digital designers from Stockport and the north west, 163 artworks were selected by judges to be showcased in all four galleries of the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery.

They will be on display until September.

There is also a children’s open exhibition section this year, showing what the children and young people of Stockport can create.

While at the gallery, visitors can vote for their favourite piece of artwork in the adult and children’s category of the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced on the last day of the exhibition, Saturday, September 3, with prizes being given out at the war memorial at 3pm by the mayor, Councillor Chris Gordon.

Councillor Kate Butler said: “This is a wonderful exhibition which brings together a range of high quality artworks from emerging and established artists in the region.

“This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to enjoy the art scene that Stockport has to offer and visit one of our many outstanding museums.”

Bill Clark, from Clark Art in Hale and one of the guest judges, said: “The standard of work was really high this year and I was impressed by the diversity of the work submitted.”

Stockport artist Judith Donaghy, whose work is in the exhibition, added: “I’m already looking to the event next year. What a bonus for Stockport visitors.”

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit stockport.gov.uk/museums.