Prestonians are being invited to enjoy a celebration of artworks from the city and surrounding area as The Harris Open returns.
Blog Preston popped in during a drizzly Friday morning to see a dazzling display of art which opens to the public on Saturday (21 February) lunchtime and meet the team who have been working to put it together.
Hundreds of artists have entered their works to go on display and the opening event is free to all to attend.
Read more: Panoramic tribute to Preston’s history by Lancashire artist unveiled
On the second floor of the Harris in Gallery One, the Harris Open is back after a five year break due to the restoration of the museum, art gallery and library.
During the official opening event which takes place from 1pm on Saturday there will be a speech from Preston City Council’s cabinet member for arts and culture, councillor Anna Hindle, followed by the presentation of the judges first, second and third prizes as well as a prize to the community group entry.
The winning artists have been selected by judges including Lindsey McCormick, fine art curator at the Harris, Professor Peter Lloyd, dean of the school of arts and media at the University of Lancashire as well as chair of the Friends of the Harris, Phoebe Foxtrot, illustrator and previous Harris Open winner and mural maestro Shawn Sharpe who himself is a previous Harris Open winner.
No ticket is needed for the Harris Open opening event and the exhibition is free to visit and on until Sunday 3 May.
We’ll have our exclusive first-look for you to view during Saturday morning – so check back to see it then and then head on down to the Harris to see it all for yourself on the walls.
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