Great Dunmow artist Mandy Whittick is among the selected participants in this year's Harlow Open exhibition at the Gibberd Gallery. Her acrylic painting, "Stocks and Tulips," was chosen from nearly 500 submissions by a panel of prestigious judges, including representatives from the Royal College of Art and the Cambridge School of Art. The annual showcase, organized by the Harlow Art Trust, features 205 works from regional creators and is curated this year by Laura Noble.
This exhibition highlights the significance of regional art scenes and the role of local trusts in fostering community engagement with the visual arts. By providing a platform for local artists to exhibit alongside a professional collection—which includes works by Edward Bawden and Elisabeth Frink—the event bridges the gap between grassroots creativity and established institutional standards. The inclusion of high-profile judges and curators further elevates the professional standing of regional open-call exhibitions.