A few months ago I responded to an ad for local artists to apply for the chance to exhibit their art in an Open Call exhibition being held at the Usher Art Gallery in Lincoln. We could submit up to three pieces in any medium. There were around 900 works submitted in total which were then whittled down to just over 100. I was thrilled when I found out that my Nuno felted/mixed media abstract landscape “Northern Soul” had been successful!
The Art of the Now exhibition runs from now until October 19th, it’s open from Thursday through to Monday from 10am – 4pm. It’s free entry and there is a wide variety of techniques, mediums, subject matter and styles on display, although given the rising interest in textile art it would have been nice to see the gallery representing more of this.
These are a view images from the opening event.
Lincs In Stitches 
It’s great your beautiful piece has been chosen, Karen. I find it hard to see why some others have been included. Being a fly on the wall at the meetings where inclusions are discussed would be sooooo interesting. I’m sure we could have hours of conversation about this subject.
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So sorry Lamorna, Ive only just seen your comment! I agree it would be very interesting to sit in on a selection meeting for an open call exhibition. I’m guessing our artist statements play a big part in whether or not our work is chosen, I just wish those statements had been presented alongside the art work to help viewers better understand what they are looking at. As you say, hours of conversation to be had on that topic!
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Well done and well deserved
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Thank you so much Mariss!
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Not surprised: it’s a stunning piece and a well-deserved inclusion in the exhibition.
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Thanks Alex. I think Open Calls can be a bit of a lottery. I know of several very talented artists who I’d assumed would get picked but didn’t. It would be interesting to be a fly on the wall during the selection process.
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I love the way you have abstracted a real landscape using fiber.
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Thanks Laura. I included the image of the real landscape for anyone who doesn’t know Northumberland. When I made my piece it was done without any visual reference, other than what was in my head, as I wanted to evoke the emotion of walking in those hills rather than trying to replicate a particular scene. When I found that image for my post I was actually surprised at the similarity!
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Congrats having your work selected 1 in 9! You must have been delighted.
Love your ‘Northern Soul’ and wish I could see it in person….I’d be pouring over every square millimetre! How big is it? It would look perfect on my wall😜
Art of the Now looks to be an interesting exhibition, just wish I could make it down.
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Thanks Antje. It’s approx 100cm x 50cm and lives on a wall in my lounge. It’s a fair distance but if you do fancy a trip to Lincoln there is lots to see and do with other galleries, the cathedral and castle. If it happens give me a shout and we could meet up for lunch🤩
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‘Northern Soul’ is a beautiful piece that would enhance any wall in any room.
The exhibition looks very inviting – thank you for showing us some of the entries.
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Thanks Lyn, it was a nice surprise to be accepted!
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