Finalists announced for the THG Open 2025 exhibition.
A record number of artists has submitted their work to the Open exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG).
The finalists have been announced for the THG Open 2025. This year, THG registered a record number of entries totalling over 460 artworks.
Many of the artists in the final selection of over 100 artworks reflect themes connected to the natural world. From intricate sculptures to large-scale artworks and featured works in acrylic, oil and pastel, this exhibition is a celebration of the breadth of creative talent found in the South West.
The exhibition will include work by young artists. Supporting emerging talent is a key initiative of THG's youth project Create Our Space funded by Arts Council England. The project aims to support young people aged 7 to 25 in East Devon through creative opportunities and training.
Grace Perry is a young South West based botanical artist and conservationist exploring our relationship with plants and their role in addressing the climate crisis.‘Portraits of Seaweed’ unveils the beauty and diverse forms of seaweed species across Cornwall - a region home to over 400 of the UK’s 650 known varieties.
Moose Allain is an artist, cartoonist and illustrator.After several years of illustrating books by other writers I've been enjoying doing my own thing, exploring imaginary places.
Sian Cann is an experimental analogue photographer. As a visually impaired artist, I undertake unique ways to express my kinship and intuition with Nature, and I am driven to reveal the hidden realms of beauty in the everyday that we rarely pay time or attention to, even when we have perfect clarity of vision.
Rachael Durkan is a Bristol-based glass artist who draws inspiration from the intricate structural patterns found in Nature. I am currently exploring the organic shapes and patterns found in microscopic plant and tree cells, my work is formed intuitively, from many pieces of glass, repeating, expanding, to create a flowing form.
Belinda Reynell is a contemporary landscape artist based in Devon. My landscapes are... a reflection of myself. Every painting is a result of several days of work, with layers of texture and colour added to create a finished piece that seeks to engage the viewer and evoke their individual thoughts and emotions.
Cecilia Rouncefield is a painter and printmaker.My work often portrays animals, possibly with a humorous slant. I am interested in interactions between animals, humans and the natural world.
Peter Stiles is a Devon-based artist and curator
Emotion and composition are at the heart of my painting practice. My paintings are often linked to broader projects but are made in order to stand alone.
The judging panel was led by THG Curator, Gemma Girvan, along with Francesca Elliot - THG Youth Network, Sharon James – artist and winner of THG Open 2023, Tim Martin – independent curator, Martin Staniforth – sculptor and co-founder of Creative Beings CIC.
The artworks selected by the judging panel will be exhibited at THG in Honiton from 12 July to 23 August. The prize winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on Saturday 12 July, 3-5pm.
The main prize is £500 and the best emerging artist prize is £250 thanks to the generosity of sponsors Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood valuers and auctioneers. Visitors will be able to vote in the gallery for their favourite piece to win the Visitors’ Choice Prize of £100 awarded at the end of the exhibition.
Councillor Nick Hookway, Portfolio Holder Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism commented,The THG Open has been one of the most popular exhibitions in the calendar for over 17 years. We have seen many talented artists from the South West flourish after first exhibiting in the Open. This year’s exhibition promises to be the most inspiring yet.
THG Open 2025: 12 July - 23 August
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 5.
Private View Saturday 12 July, 3-5pm with prize-giving at 3.30pm.
For activities coordinating with this exhibition including Summer Art Week, visit thelmahulbert.com/whats-on/workshops
