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Such was the success of this year’s Art in the Open Festival in Wexford that enquiries and bookings are already flooding in from all over the world for the 2023 event.
p to 200 artists from 14 countries took part in the biggest plein air festival in Europe, enjoying paint-outs in Wexford town, Kilmore Quay, Johnstown Castle, Enniscorthy and the Hook Peninsula and finishing on a high note with a weekend exhibition in Green Acres Gallery in Selskar.
The exhibition was opened by the chairman of Wexford County Council George Lawlor who described the festival as a wonderful asset that has a huge economic and social impact on the local area.
Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell was on hand to present the annual Mayoral Award for the painting that won first prize, a Wexford street scene by the celebrated UK artist Rob Pointon.
The winning artists shared in a prize fund of €4,000 including three silver and six bronze awards.
The annual Quick Draw charity event took place in the Bullring and raised over €3,000 for Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, with large numbers participating and lots of off-the easel sales.
A beautiful painting of Wells House, donated by US artist Bruno Baran, was raffled as part of the fundraising activities.
Rape Crisis chairperson Laura Lawlor said they were very grateful for the generosity and goodwill of the artists and the general public.
Art in the Open Chairperson, Neil O’Keeffe thanked Wexford County Council, Boland’s Hyundai Wexford and all the sponsors who generously supported the festival this year.
He especially thanked the huge hard working volunteer team who give their time to ensure the successful running of the festival and bond so well with the visiting artists and their families.
This year’s winning artists were – Mayoral Award: Rob Pointon; Silver, Steve Browning, George Corcoran, Valerie Craig; Bronze, Desmond Downes, Nicki Heenan, DK Palecek, Pam Folsom, Ann Fripps, Grahame Booth.
Wexford Art in the Open 2023 will take place from Sunday, July 31 to bank holiday Monday August 7.
