Tuesday 21st February 2017, saw the preview of the annual Three Counties Open photography exhibition and competition winners announced, officially opened by Professor David Amigoni, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise. The Three Counties Open Photography Exhibition is one of the highlights of the annual Keele University Gallery Exhibition programme. The exhibition has gained momentum over the years and receives entries of a high standard, giving the opportunity for the University to platform brilliant pieces of work created by artists based in the three counties Keele University borders – Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. Every year we receive outstanding pieces of art from artists of all ages and backgrounds. We received over 200 entries this year.

Keele University sponsors the main prizes consisting of three cash prizes of £300, £100 and £50. The Art Studio (framers based in Newcastle-under-Lyme) donate a prize of £150 vouchers. The exhibition was judged by Darren Washington & Sarah Pert from Gallery 116, Stoke-on-Trent, the University Arts Officer also gets involved in the judging process.

Winners:

Keele University 1st Prize: Adoration of the Keepers by James Hall

Keele University 2nd Prize: Final Inspection by David Gibson

Keele University 3rd Prize: Lotto & Friends by Noel Bennett

Art Studio Prize: Scarista Beach by Alex Harford

Highly Commended:

Trunks by John Royle

Botanical Preservation Series 2 by Polly Shave

Dollars by Yolanda Gomez Galvez

Wild Ass by Jim Stupples

The exhibition is on display until 29th March in the Keele University Art Gallery based in Chancellor's Building.  Many of the photographs are for sale, all enquiries to Keele University Reception during office hours and via boxoffice@keele.ac.uk or 01782 734340.

Images: Top Adoration of the Keepers by James Hall | Middle Final Inspection by David Gibson | Bottom Wild Ass by Jim Stupples