Two exhibitions celebrating the talent of local artists will open this week at the Ferens Art Gallery.
The annual Open Exhibition features over 300 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, textiles and film. Artworks are produced by amateur and professional artists, many of which are from the local area. Some pieces will be for sale, offering visitors the opportunity to buy and own a unique piece of art.
The Open artworks have been chosen by a panel of specialist judges; Phil Hargreaves, Festival Director of Hull’s Freedom Festival Arts Trust; Emma Stothard, Sculptor; Mark Cooke, Chief Executive Officer at CASE Training.
Alongside the Open, the Young Artist Open Exhibition, aimed at budding artists aged 15 and under will also take place at the gallery with 559 submissions this year.
This yearly exhibition celebrates the creative talent of young people in Hull and the surrounding area. Artworks are submitted by individuals, schools, and local community groups with a huge selection on display for 2025.
Kerri Offord, Curator of Art at Ferens Art Gallery, said:
“It’s been another fantastic year for the Open Exhibition, with a range of highly talented artists entering and a diverse range of artforms on display. We’ve had a higher number of young artists enter this year too, which has been fantastic to see and experience. From kinetic sculpture to a gnome portrait – there really is something for everyone to discover and enjoy!
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: “The Ferens Open Exhibitions are a highlight in my calendar – we have such a wealth of talent in this region, it’s fantastic to see!
“The judges have done an excellent job this year selecting a diverse range of art which I know will prove as popular as ever.”
The Open Exhibition is accompanied by a public programme available to purchase.
There is an opportunity to meet some of artists featuring in this year’s exhibition and hear about their working practices as artists. No booking is required:
- Thursday 16 October, 2pm – Yeseniia Serdiuk
- Thursday 13 November, 2pm – Joan Hay
- Thursday 11 December, 2pm – Wayne Wolton
- Thursday 8 January 2026, 2pm – Ian Hinley
For more information visit www.hullmuseums.co.uk.
Artworks in the Ferens Open can be purchased throughout the duration of the exhibition. A catalogue for £3 is available from the gallery.
These free exhibitions run from Friday 10 October until Sunday 11 January 2026.
The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm.
For more information, please visit www.ferensartgallery.co.uk
