We are delighted to congratulate our award winners of the 40th Annual Open Exhibition. The awards included:

• Best In Show
• Highly Commended Works (x3)
• Business Award
• Young Artist Award - Best In Show
• Young Artist Award - Highly Commended

Our Judges

This year our judging panel included:

Liz Evans Dip AD Fine Art.  ATC London University

I moved to Frodsham in the early 1970’s after completing a degree in Fine Art and an Art Teachers certificate from London University.

The Coach House at Castle Park had been used for storage by Vale Royal Borough Council and needed development and a transformation into a facility for the Frodsham Community.

With the guidance of Jim Cox trustees were appointed and focus groups set up to raise funds and oversee the conversion into an exhibition space and workshops. I became the chair of the Arts Committee and to encourage local participation the committee initiated The Open Art Exhibition.

This was long before the technological development of communication, the Arts Centre did not even have a photocopier, so many journeys were made to local groups to spread the word and deliver paper entry forms. The fear was that people would feel excluded from entering their artwork and that the exhibition would be a failure so a low entry fee of 25p per exhibit was set.

It was with pleasure that over a hundred entries were delivered and accepted to display in gallery 1 and upstairs in gallery 2 attracting many visitors and because of its success it became an annual event.

 I continued to involve myself with the Arts Centre becoming in the 1990’s the arts development Officer appointed by the centre to encouraging a diverse number of Visual Arts activities. 

In 2018 to mark my retirement after 50 years in Art Education I mounted an exhibition of my own work ‘Ideas and Developments’ in gallery 3. It included themes that inspired my teaching both as a lecturer at Halton College and as a freelance tutor of painting for many groups in the area. 

The techniques used in painting and the skill to deploy them is one aspect of visual art that I like to develop in students. Another vital ingredient I like to see is the courage to use various techniques and colour to convey the artist’s insight into a personal creative expression.

I am sure that this 40th Open Art exhibition at Castle Park displays the conviction and the optimistic faith in the artistic life of the local community that was perceived in the original exhibition all those years ago.

Steve Bayley

Steve Bayley is based at Hub Studios in Liverpool. He works in a number of media and styles and has exhibited widely in the North West of England, including a solo exhibition at Castle Park where he has also arranged and contributed in group exhibitions. In 2023, he was runner up in SAA magazine's Artist of the Year and was also a finalist in 2024. During 2025 Steve exhibited at Mall Galleries in London with the Society of Graphic Fine Arts. He is also a member of Wirral Society of Arts and a keen Sketcher with Liverpool Urban Sketchers. 

Amy Catherall

Has a 1st class degree in Applied Arts specialising in Ceramics with 10 years teaching experience in high school tutoring GCSE & 'A' Level art helping students achieve A* grades. Amy describes herself as an artist, product designer and maker with winning awards at new designers from 'Trend Bible' which lead her to be featured in magazines and selling products worldwide. Recently she opened her Pottery studio for the local Frodsham community and has been teaching pottery at Castle Park for the past 2 years.

Business Judge - Samantha Cunliffe from Bene Gelato, Church Street, Frodsham

Samantha is an award-winning gelato chef who is passionate about creativity and art in all the forms. Sam likes to display local artists in the Gelateria and always encourages the children to create pieces of art to display on the walls in the cafe.

Best in Show Award

Selected by all 3 Judges in Gallery 2

“Joy” by Rachael Carr

We have selected ‘Joy’ by Rachael Carr, as our winner for the Annual Open Art Exhibition because we were all drawn to the art work through the use of expressive experimental texture, spontaneous mark making,  vibrant colour palette with a classic subject matter and composition. 

Highly Commended Works

Dark Industry by Danny Morrell

Selected by Liz Evans (in Gallery 3)

It has an expressive use of textures and colour to create an atmospheric interpretation of an industrial landscape.

"Angel Wings" by Kathy Allen

Selected by Steve Bayley (in Gallery 1)

I felt Angel Wings was a skilfully worked sculpture using a number of mediums. It's an appealing and mystical piece which I returned to a number of times while judging. 

"Gravi-Tea" by Elaine Watson

Selected by Amy Catherall (in Gallery 3)

Initially captured my attention with its playful narrative and composition. Upon closer examination, I was impressed by the detailed texture on the moon and tiny boot sole, the clever use of stains, the intricate patterns on the armchair, dressing gown, and cravat. It is a fun and highly detailed piece of ceramics!

Business Award

"Crossing the River, Gwithian" by Sophie Parr

Selected by Samantha Cunliffe from Bene Gelatera in Frodsham (in Gallery 1)

I was immediately attracted by Sophie’s piece. The colours really resonated with me, and I was drawn to the painting straightaway. I felt like I could almost step into the scene and feel the wet texture of the sand between my toes and the water running over my feet. It’s like I could smell the sea and seaweed and rocks glistening in the sunshine. I love the fact that it took me away to a seaside place and of course left me craving for an ice cream!

Young Artist Award - Best in Show

This award comes with a cash prize for the overall winner

"HIJI - The Painted Ladies" by Henry Joynes (14 yrs old)

Selected by the Arts Committee at Castle Park Arts Centre

The Arts Committee were impressed by the skill demonstrated in the textile work from this young artist from Nottingham. 

Young Artist Award - Highly Commended

"Stone Cold Charm" by Ella Roberts

Selected by the Arts Committee at Castle Park Arts Centre

We were drawn to the combination of painting and sculptural elements, so eloquently combined in this piece.