Our Brewery Arts Open Exhibition returned this year with more creativity than ever before, receiving a record number of submissions from artists across the region. The exhibition brings together an inspiring collection of work that celebrates the richness and diversity of our local creative community.
We were delighted to welcome exhibitors, friends, family and visitors to the Private View and Opening Evening, where the gallery was filled with conversation and celebration as everyone came together to mark the opening of this year’s exhibition. It was a wonderful evening discovering artistic voices across a wide range of mediums and celebrating the incredible talent on display.
As exhibiting artist Emma Field shared, “It was such a wonderful evening! So proud & happy to be a part of this fantastic show!”
2026 Prize Winners
Judges’ Choice Award
Louise Sturgis, for Wray Cottage, Kentmere.
Chosen by our judging panel, Louise has been awarded a solo exhibition in our Foyer Gallery in 2027. We can’t wait to welcome Louise back and give audiences the opportunity to explore more of her remarkable artistic practice.
People’s Choice Award
Tim Watson, for Above the Long Valley – From Thunacar Knott above the Langdale Valley.
Voted for by visitors to the exhibition, Tim’s work captured the hearts of our Brewery Arts community and earned him a generous voucher kindly sponsored by Youdells Art Shop.
A special thank you to Youdells Art Shop, Kendal, for supporting this year’s Open Exhibition and helping us celebrate local artists.
A showcase of local talent
One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition is the breadth of artists represented. From emerging talent to established practitioners, the exhibition celebrates the strength and diversity of our local creative community. We are proud to provide an accessible platform that supports artists at every stage of their creative journey.
This year’s exhibition features work from members of local artist collectives, including Green Door and the Lakes Artists Society, alongside artwork created by our own Brewery Arts Print Room and Darkroom members.
This years exhibition featured artwork by Brewery Arts freelance artists and staff, including Catherine MacDiarmid, who leads our year-round painting and drawing programme, Lucy Wright who has previously run our Artseen Wednesday and Summer Camp sessions for young creatives as well as a member of our Brewery Arts Marketing team, under the artist name Giddy Art.
Hearing From Our Visitors
One of our favourite parts of the exhibition is reading the comments left in our visitors’ book.
This year’s exhibition welcomed people discovering Brewery Arts for the first time during holidays in the Lake District, visitors enjoying a day trip to Kendal, and many familiar faces from our local community who return each year.
The feedback has been incredibly heartwarming. One visitor described the exhibition as,
“A real treat – such variety, vibrant and thoughtful observations.”Another shared how one particular painting resonated so deeply that it,
“…was brilliant and reminded me of a poem I wrote about a pair of Doc Martens.”
These moments remind us how powerful art can be in sparking memories, conversations and creative inspiration.
A heartfelt thank you goes to every artist who submitted work this year. The record number of entries demonstrates just how vibrant and talented our creative community is, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Open Exhibition such a fantastic celebration of art.
Looking ahead to 2027
Feeling inspired? We’re already looking forward to next year’s Brewery Arts Open Exhibition.
If you’re a local artist (18+), keep an eye on our website and social media channels for our Open Exhibition 2027 call for submissions in early spring.
Explore our full exhibitions programme here.
