The first Hertfordshire Open Exhibition, due to have opened at St Albans Museum + Gallery earlier this year, has launched online.

The exhibition is a celebration of art in all its mediums, including painting, sculpture, print, film and photography, and forms part of a wider offer for people to access the arts from home.

Over 180 artists with links to Hertfordshire submitted their work to be part of the inaugural exhibition. Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the exhibition features 80 works by the 50 selected artists, creating an exciting mix of work by established artists alongside emerging talent and first-time exhibitors.

Watford Observer:

Save Us From Ourselves by Maria Meyer

Annabel Lucas, Head of UH Arts, said: “We are so pleased to be able to still deliver the Hertfordshire Open, giving people remote access to this remarkable collection of artists. You’ll see art you love, art that makes you smile and art that really makes you think. We are grateful to all of the artists who submitted their work and were overwhelmed by the quality and variety of the submissions which have helped to create a truly exciting exhibition.”

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure and Sport for St Albans City and District Council, said: “St Albans Museum + Gallery has put art, culture and heritage at the heart of our community. In this unprecedented time, I am delighted to see that the museum’s partnership with UH Arts continues to innovate in order to keep bringing great art to the community. This online exhibition looks to be a wonderfully varied showcase of the very best talent working in the region.”

Watford Observer:

Alex Ayliffe, Study II (2019). Photo: Pippa Bicknell Photography

The Hertfordshire Open 2020 is the seventh partnership project between St Albans Museum + Gallery and UH Arts, the University of Hertfordshire’s arts and cultural programme.

The galleries are available to view online at www.uharts.co.uk and www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk