The Babylon ARTS’ Selected Summer Open Exhibition 2019 saw a wealth of talent, from artists both local and national submitting their work for this five-week exhibition.
The Babylon Gallery welcomed over 3200 visitors to the exhibition, which was supported by Ely on Par Golf Club Fireworks in association with Spotted in Ely.
Mark Cooney, Spotted in Ely Ambassador said "We were excited to be asked to select the 'Best Newcomer'. Chris's work just stood out and was a strong favourite. There were so many wonderful pieces from such a varying age range. We look forward to once again helping promote this wonderful event which for the first time this year was oversubscribed."
For the first time, because of the support we received, Babylon ARTS was able to award two cash prizes. One for ‘Best in Show’ which went to Helen Murray for her work ‘Trench’ and one for ‘Best Newcomer’ which was won by Chris Koster for his work ‘Infinite’ (pictured).
In response to winning the Best in Show Award, Helen said:
“I was so pleased to have Trench accepted for this exhibition but it never occurred to me that it would win Best in Show. I am very grateful to the Babylon Gallery for this opportunity; it is a very special place in a beautiful setting and I’m looking forward to showing more work there in the future.”
We were also pleased to have out first ‘People’s Choice’ Award, where visitors to the exhibition could vote for their favourite. This Award went to Freya Hoayun for ‘Kat the Cat’. In learning of her accolade, Freya said:
"Exhibiting at the Babylon gallery has been a wonderful experience. I was thrilled that the painting sold and absolutely delighted that it was voted the people’s choice. I do a lot of commissions of other people’s pets, but this is of one of my own cats so it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who thinks she is beautiful!"
We will open submissions for the Babylon ARTS Summer Open 2020 early in the New Year.