THG has revealed the judges for the bi-annual THG OPEN 2016 competition. Angela Blackwell, the gallery’s curator will be joined by Daniel Goddard, Head of Picture Department at Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood auctioneers, Tim Woolgar, co-owner of Hybrid Gallery,  artist Janet Sainsbury and Octavia Madden (member of THG Youth Group Masterpieces)

Professional and amateur South West artists are now invited to submit their work. The top prize has been increased to £750 thanks to the generosity of sponsors Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood auctioneers, together with Best Emerging Artist prize of £250 and the Visitors’ Choice prize of £150. Entrants to the Best Emerging Artist prize must have graduated in the last three years or be under 25 years old.

Janet Sainsbury is a previous winner of a Devon Open Studios bursary and has had her work exhibited at the gallery. Janet has also just been confirmed as the winner of a residency at the prestigious Porthleor studios, St Ives where many prominent artists have exhibited and worked including Ben Nicholson and Francis Bacon. Janet said:

"It’s wonderful to be involved as a judge in this year’s competition. I would really encourage South West-based artists to apply – it’s a great opportunity to have your work exhibited at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery."

The finalists will be exhibited at THG where the prize winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on Saturday 4 June. People will be able to vote in the gallery for their favourite piece to win the Visitors’ Choice Award at the end of the exhibition.

Angela Blackwell, THG Curator said: “The THG Open has been running for over 10 years. We have seen many talented artists from the South West flourish through the competition over the years and this year’s competition promises to be the most inspiring yet.”

Entrants can collect submission forms from the gallery or download the application form. The deadline for applications  is Saturday 14 May, 2016. Finalists will be announced on 1 June, and the winners will be revealed on 4 June at the official opening. Cost per entry £16 / £14 THG Friends (maximum of two entries).