New Forest Open Art competition

May 2, 2013 - PRLog -- To celebrate this unique place the New Forest National Park Authority has teamed up with the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst to launch a joint open art competition.

If you are a budding artist, photographer or craftsperson who takes inspiration from the New Forest, we would like to hear from you.

The competition is sponsored by ExxonMobil at the Fawley Refinery and local magazine Park Culture.
Prizes from ExxonMobil at the Fawley Refinery:
First prize - £500
Second prize - £300
Third prize - £100

People’s Prize - £100 and a feature in Park Culture magazine.

Julian Johnson, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘We are so lucky to have such a beautiful landscape on our doorstep and what better way to celebrate it than through art. I am looking forward to seeing how people interpret the diversity of the New Forest.’

Hilary Marshall, New Forest Centre Manager, said: ‘There are so many artists living in or near to the New Forest who use this landscape as their inspiration. We want to see all different types of art, photography and craft. The gallery at the New Forest Centre is a fantastic place to display artwork and showcase local talent to residents and visitors to the New Forest this summer.’

Nigel Burt, Community Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil at the Fawley Refinery, said: ‘Ever since the Fawley Refinery was built over 60 years ago, we have supported the arts. Fawley has been an inspiration for generations of artists, including renowned local painter and friend of LS Lowry, Richard Erich. We are delighted to continue our support with our sponsorship of the New Forest Open Art Competition. I know from first-hand experience the astonishing artistic talent that the New Forest is home to and I am looking forward to seeing the entries.’

How to enter:
Submission dates for artwork – 5 and 6 July 2013.

Go to application forms, artwork labels and poster (http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/downloads/download/142/new...)

Visit  New Forest Centre (http://www.newforestcentre.org.uk/) for more information

Exhibition:
The free exhibition will run from Saturday 20 July to Saturday 7 September. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy selected artwork.

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About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:

Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:

Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

 The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk