Such is its popularity, the wonderful art on display at Oxford Art Society’s current Members Exhibition is already selling fast.
But that’s hardly surprising when you discover there are over 130 pieces of art for sale in The Kendrew Barn Gallery in St John’s College featuring some of Oxfordshire’s nationally acclaimed artists.
And this year promises to be more exciting than ever with the exhibition extending into four galleries.
But it’s still not enough space for all the wonderful work submitted by many of the new OAS members.
Competition is fierce for the Oxford Art Society Members’ Exhibition because to get your work featured it has to be picked by a judging panel, and with over 270 members submitting up to two pieces each, only the best make it through.
Prizes went to Kevin Line for his sketches seen in the background below, Anna Kolos‘ Old Man, Martyn Burdon‘s Michael Sheen (above), Alison Berman‘s bronze ‘Tool form:Six’ and Marjorie Collins‘ ‘Two Red Pears,’ chosen by Hannah Payne of Meakins+Payne gallery.
From sculpture to painting, abstract work to illustration, metalwork and photorealism, it’s all there for the taking.
“The standard was really high this year so it’s a great opportunity to see some really good art from some nationally acclaimed artists, and to be able to buy it at a decent price,” OAS artist Ruth Swain says. “And as we have lots of new members it’s really competitive to get in.”
You can also see work destined for some big national shows. For example Ruth has just had her Airing My Dirty Laundry painting longlisted for the prestigious Jackson’s Painting Prize, and former chairman Lucy Stopford has two works selected for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters 2023 exhibition.
So why is the annual exhibition garnering so much publicity? “St Johns is such a beautiful location and it’s so central for everybody to get to. Plus the exhibition is free.
“But on top of that the OAS is very prestigious with well established artists joining all the time so it’s getting a lot of attention at the moment,” Ruth explains.
And with new chair Amanda Jewell of the Sewell Centre Gallery on board, Kathleen Soriano, presenter of Sky Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year as President and new Exhibition Managers, Claire Venables and Jeremy Morgan organising and curating this show, it really is the exhibition to catch.
But your time is running out because Oxford Art Society Members’ Exhibition is only on until Sunday April 2.
Or as Ruth put it: “Most of the work is for sale, but it’s selling fast. So do try to visit, this is one show not to be missed and a great chance to purchase some wonderful pieces of art.”
Oxford Art Society Members’ Exhibition is open from 11am-6pm every day, The Kendrew Barn Gallery in St John’s College (enter via the St Giles entrance). For more details go to https://oxfordartsociety.co.uk/exhibitions/
