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The Biennial HRC Open Exhibition has officially come to a close, marking another incredible showcase of artistic talent, community collaboration, and industry partnership. Over the past four weeks, The David Gentleman Gallery at Hertford Regional College’s Ware campus has been home to a breathtaking display of work from artists and designers of all backgrounds, drawing visitors from across the community to celebrate local creativity.

With support from our esteemed sponsors, KGKGenix and Mtec, this year’s Open Exhibition not only provided a platform for emerging and established artists but also strengthened the college’s ongoing commitment to creative education and industry engagement.

Featuring a diverse range of pieces across multiple disciplines, the exhibition was expertly curated by HRC’s Art & Design department. Visitors were treated to an inspiring collection that demonstrated artistic excellence, innovation, and thoughtful storytelling.

A Showcase of Talent and Collaboration

Our longstanding partner, KGKGenix, played a pivotal role in supporting the event, sponsoring the commendation awards and providing valuable industry insights to students throughout the year. Their recent collaboration with our Visual Merchandising students also proved to be a resounding success, with several students securing work experience opportunities over the summer. KGKGenix’s commitment to sustainability was evident through their donation of high-quality off-cut materials, empowering students to experiment with industry-standard resources.

“We are incredibly proud to support the HRC Open Exhibition once again,” said a KGKGenix representative. “It’s been fantastic to witness the talent and passion of these students, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in fostering the next generation of creative professionals.”

Recognising Excellence with Mtec

A new and valued collaborator this year, Mtec, a leading fine art logistics solutions company, proudly sponsored the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ award for Emerging Artist. Their involvement in the selection process brought a wealth of expertise to the judging panel, ensuring the most deserving talent was recognised and celebrated.

“At Mtec Fine Art, we are deeply invested in the creative community, and it has been an honour to support such an inspiring initiative,” said an Mtec representative. “We hope this marks the beginning of a lasting relationship with HRC, where we can continue to uplift and nurture emerging artists.”

Winners

Winner of Young Artist (aged 15 and under): Olivia Ferreira – The Trip
(Runner Up: James McGuiness – Albert Einstein)

Winner of Emerging Artist (aged 16-19): Mark Bateman – The Clearing
(Runner Up: Grace Bailey – Just a Mallard)

Winner of Adult (aged 20+): Jay Aargh – Ware Viaduct
(Runners Up: Gabrielle Felton – Diva, Franklyn Beckford – Shell)

Winner of Best in Show (Overall Winner): Gian Castagna – Merry Margate

Congratulations to our winners, and also a big well done to the runners up of each category – we know it was difficult for the judges to choose their winners!

Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s Open Exhibition reaffirms the importance of creative collaboration and industry support in shaping the future of the arts. As we reflect on the incredible talent showcased, HRC remains committed to fostering artistic growth, providing invaluable opportunities for students, and strengthening connections between education and the creative industries.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the artists, sponsors, and visitors who made this event such a triumph. Also, a huge thank you to our guest judges, Elissa Cray, (ex-colleague) Photographer and Director of TKE Studios and the Tracey Emin Foundation as well as Jione Choi, water colour artist. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2027 for the next HRC Open Exhibition!

For more information about our Art & Design programmes or future events, please contact info@hrc.ac.uk or call 01992 411 400.

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