2019 Open Exhibition At The Ferens Art Gallery Hull

This the 53rd Open Exhibition. It celebrates the work of both amateur and professional artists, and gives them the opportunity to display and sell their artwork.



This exhibition comprises 321 works of art, selected from approximately 2,000 online submissions from artists and include painting, sculpture, ceramics and textiles.

There are 3 prizes awarded to the winning entries selected by the Friends of the Ferens Board. The winners in this category were:

Friends Prize

1st Prize: Sabine Jeanne Bieli, Blue Moon, Mixed Media 

2nd Prize: Hannah Billingham, Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Four, Ceramic 

3rd Prize: Daniel Mitchell, Toll Gavel, Beverley, Acrylic 

Additionally, a Prize goes to a Student entry selected by sponsors BSB Architecture.

Student Prize Winner

Holly Oetegenn, Young Activism, Photograph 

Finally, an award goes to the winning entry selected by Hull Culture and Leisure Chair, Marjorie Brabazon.

HCAL Chair Prize

Liam Dunne, Self-Reflection, Oil painting

Controversies sometimes surround the selection of winners, there will always be differing opinions, and healthy debate. That is what makes art so fascinating.

This is a truly wonderful exhibition, and any number of the entries, could have been worthy winners in their own right. However, on this occasion the judges have been handed a particularly difficult task, but have carried out their duties with supreme skill, and have identified five commendable winners.

That is not where it ends, you should go and judge for yourself. Ultimately you will form your own views. But don't get lost in the debate, think further ahead, until October, when you too can submit your own work to The Ferens for consideration by the selectors.

What you have never picked up a paintbrush?

Never done ceramics and thrown a pot?

Maybe textiles is your thing, or perhaps you have always wondered how Michelangelo carved out those fabulous sculptures?

Time to dust yourself off and have a go.

Entry is open to everyone who either lives in the UK, or is professionally based here. Entrants must be aged 16 or over.

Is the 2019 Open Exhibition just a regional showcase?

Judging from the exhibits, in what is a superbly curated exhibition, it is actually so much more than that. The Open Exhibition is a beacon to the creative spirit, and a wonderful example of what a Regional Gallery can do.

The 2019 Open Exhibition enlivens the spirit, and enriches the soul. Go along to The Ferens and see for yourself.

The 2019 Open Exhibition is simply a "must see".

2019 Open Exhibition at The Ferens Art Gallery, Hull. This exhibition is organised by Hull Culture and Leisure and Hull City Council working in partnership.

The Sponsors are the Friends of the Ferens Art Gallery and BSB Architecture. The Corporate Partners are Andrew Marr International Limited, KCOM Hull and East Yorkshire and Rollits LLP.

The Exhibition runs until 14 April 2019.

Entrance is Free. Catalogue £2.50.