The Crickhowell Open Studios Weekend has once again inspired and delighted, with its legacy continuing at the Oriel CRiC Gallery through the ongoing Open Art Exhibition, writes Ben Huw Tiley.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Crickhowell Open Studios Weekend gave patrons the chance to explore the work of more than 300 artists. In the spirit of promoting local art, the Oriel CRiC Gallery continues to display a selection of these pieces - offering insight into Wales’s vibrant art community and encouraging more people to express themselves through the medium.

The main event, which took place from May 24 to 26, spanned Crickhowell, allowing art lovers to explore pop-up art installations around the town - some located in galleries and cafés, while others could be found in the homes or workshops of the very artists whose work was on display.

Visitors can now view a selection of these artworks in the Open Art Exhibition, held at the Oriel CRiC Gallery in the Crickhowell Information Centre. The current exhibition is the latest in the venue’s six-exhibition annual programme, showcasing a new lineup of artists.

Led by Open Studios co-ordinator and event organiser Suzette Pratten, the gallery currently features work by local talent - both amateur and professional - as well as established artists from further afield.

Mrs Pratten told the Brecon & Radnor Express that the event is an immense undertaking, but one which brings the community together and gives a platform to local artists.

“It’s inclusive,” she said.

“We have entries from professionals and hobbyists, and it allows people new to art - or those starting off from an amateur background - to show their work in a public space.”

Submissions to the exhibition were finalised in May from the entries of the Open Art Competition, with artists both new and known able to enter. More than 400 pieces were submitted in total, with 150 of the best works now featuring in the gallery following the Open Studios Weekend.

Prior to the public opening of the gallery, artists with works on display were invited to a private unveiling, where prizes were awarded across various artistic categories.

The Watercolour Category prize was accepted by Kate Broadhurst, with the award sponsored by Rhian Symes, patron of the Royal Watercolour Society.

A selection of other winners include: Edward Gould for the Digital Category, Helen Crawford for Textiles, Lee Wright for Printmaking, and Valentina Teghillo for Oil and Acrylic. The overall prize was awarded to Shirley Griffiths, with the runner-up prize going to Michael Grey-Jones.

During the Open Art Weekend, visitors to the gallery were encouraged to vote for their favourite piece from the collection. After three days, the ballots were tallied, and the Visitor Vote award was presented to Anthony Skates.

The Open Art Exhibition will continue at the Oriel CRiC Gallery in Crickhowell on Beaufort Street until July 12. The gallery is located upstairs in the Crickhowell Information Centre and is accessible by both lift and stairs, where you will meet the friendly team.

Pieces from the collection are also available for purchase.