Winners announced for the Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026 at Woodhorn Museum
The winning artists have been announced for the Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026, which recently opened at at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington.
The overall winning submission is Andy Martin’s photograph The Circus and the Graveyard, Peterlee (2024).
The striking image depicts gravestones in a Peterlee graveyard at night, contrasted with the vivid lights of a circus taking place in the adjacent field.
Narbi Price, a painter, curator, lecturer and selection panel member, described the winning work as follows: “Andy Martin's winning photograph has a brilliant combination of factors.
“Not only is it excellently executed technically and formally, but the intense colours and harmonious composition draw us into the coal-black humour of the jarring juxtaposition.”
Andy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be chosen as the overall winner of the Northumberland Open Exhibition.
“I know from previous years the number and standard of entries is always remarkably high, and it’s a real testament to the immense creative skill and talent we have here in the North East.
“I’m very honoured to have my work on the walls alongside the work of so many respected artists and it’s made even more special by the fact it’s held at a venue as outstanding as Woodhorn.”
Four additional artists were highly commended this year – Clare Money for Scarred Earth, Annie Kennerley for A Seat Left Warm, Katherine Rousselange for This Green and Pleasant Land and Joseph Wilson for a photograph from his series Up the Dancers.
The exhibition, which runs until May 10, features 568 artworks by more than 280 artists including painters, sculptors, glassmakers and multidisciplinary creatives, celebrating the depth and breadth of artistic talent across the region.
Narbi Price’s fellow selectors were Liz Ritson, programme and engagement manager for North East Museums, and Wendy Scott, strategic lead for cultural development at Northumberland County Council.
Wendy said: “The Northumberland Open demonstrates the enormous creative talent we have here in the county.
“Exhibitions like this provide an accessible opportunity for artists at all stages of their careers to exhibit side by side and on an equal footing.”
Visitors will be able to purchase many of the artworks on display and vote for their favourite piece in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced at the close of the exhibition in May.