Summer Open Exhibition 2026
25 June – 19 July | Thursday – Sunday | 11am – 5pm | Free Admission
Discover an exceptional collection of contemporary art at the inaugural Summer Open Exhibition 2026, showcasing selected work by artists from across the region and beyond.
Bringing together painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and mixed media, the exhibition offers a rich and diverse celebration of artistic talent. Visitors can also explore the newly created Walled Sculpture Garden, where sculpture is displayed in a unique outdoor setting, creating a striking dialogue between art and landscape.
Whether you are an experienced collector, an enthusiastic supporter of the arts or simply looking for inspiration, the Summer Open offers the opportunity to discover original work by both emerging and established artists.
All works in the exhibition are available for sale, with a wide range of prices to suit every budget—from affordable originals and prints to larger investment pieces.
L to R: Anne Wood, Helen Osborne, Yasmin Chowdhury
Exhibiting Artists
Clare Abbatt, Ruth Adeleye, Nigel Allsopp, India Audsley, Deborah Baker, Patrick Will Baker, Sarah Billings, Louise Bougourd, Samantha Brockway, Finn Brown, Ruth Burdett, Catherine Burdett, Catherine Burnett, Caroline Calonder, Suzy Castleman, Yasmin Chowdhury, Sarah Cleaver, Stephen Coe, Michael Croker, Charlotte Cundell, Judith Cundell, Steve Davies, Seren Demirci, Claire Denny, Maxine Dodd, Gill Drew, William Drummond, Marika Du Plessis, Asya Dudko, Katy Dynes, Luke Edgar, Jean Edwards, Belinda Ellis, Mags Finch, Rhona Fleming, Cordell Garfield, Penny German, Tim Gilpin, Tom Godber, Diane Guttridge, Lewis Harris, Pippa Highfield, Kathy Hoath, Rebecca Holcombe, Sarah Hutt, Philip Inness, Jonathan Ireland, Rosie Jarvis, Sue Johnson BA, Gwenda Jones, Christine Jones, Andy Jordan, Anna Jordan BA, Shirley Keay, Sophie Bliss Kilpatrick, Nonoka Kojima, Cate Kutas, Ellie Lasthiotaki, Juliet Lawson, Kat Lendacka, Emma Lindsay, Andrew Marsh, Hilary Marshall, Vandy Massey, Lucy Mathers, Ciara Mccollam, David Meredith, Michele Milroy, Vladlena Miroyan, Nicolas Moreton, Angie Moyes, Claire Mycock, Sara Myers, John Nolan, Raoul Orzabal, Helen Osborne, Csaba Tibor Palotas, Joanne Parkes, Eleanor Parkinson, Fiona Patchett, Kateryna Penchkovska, Sally Pennycate, Jamie Poole, Chris Richbell, Andrew Roles, Emma Saul, Laura Saunders, Elizabeth Sharpe LS, Simon M Smith, Carole Smith, Sophie Smith, Katrina Solano, Olga Sorokina, Tracey Swain, Helen A Taylor, Hazel Thomson, Deanna Tyson, Marisa Vanschuyver, Jack Watto, Helen Wheeler, Teresa Williams, Oliver Winconek, Eleanor Wong, Anne Wood, Daniel Wright, Anna Yardley, Karen Yasseen
Open Gardens & Artists in Gardens
The Summer Open coincides with the popular Open Gardens event on Sunday 28 June, 11am–5pm.
Throughout the day, a number of exhibiting artists will be showing work in selected gardens around the village, creating a unique trail that combines art, sculpture and beautiful garden settings. Together with the Walled Sculpture Garden, visitors can enjoy an inspiring day of creativity both indoors and outdoors.
Vote for the People's Prize
Every visitor is invited to vote for their favourite artwork. The artist receiving the most votes will be awarded the People's Prize at the close of the exhibition.
Win an Art Class
Visitors can also enter a free prize draw for the chance to win an art class of their choice worth up to £100, making this the perfect opportunity not only to enjoy art but to experience creating it.
Visitor Information
Dates: 25 June – 19 July 2026
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11am–5pm
Admission: Free
With outstanding artwork, a new sculpture garden, Artists in Gardens, the People's Prize and the chance to win an art class, the Summer Open Exhibition offers a memorable cultural experience throughout the summer.
L to R: Caroline Calonder, John Nolan, Diane Guttridge
Acknowledgements
The Summer Open Exhibition 2026 has been made possible through the generosity, enthusiasm and hard work of many individuals and organisations.
We are especially grateful to our principal sponsor, Stefanie Price Wealth Planning, for sponsoring the £1,000 Sculpture Prize, and to Woodmansterne Publications for sponsoring both the creation of the new Walled Sculpture Garden and the £1,000 Fine Art Prize.
Our sincere thanks also go to:
Michael Graham Estate Agents for sponsoring the event signage.
Steve Burchmore and Acorn Nurseries for generously providing the plants, shrubs and trees that have helped transform the Walled Sculpture Garden.
The Rose & Crown, Yardley Hastings for sponsoring refreshments at the Private View.
Anthony & Lucy Williamson for sponsoring the People's Prize.
We would also like to thank our distinguished selection panel David Mach RA, Anthony Spira, Amanda Lowther and Louise Newton for their time, expertise and thoughtful consideration in selecting work for the exhibition.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Chairman, Simon Barter, whose vision, encouragement and commitment helped shape this exhibition from its inception, and to the many Yardley Arts volunteers whose dedication, energy and countless hours of work have made the Summer Open a reality.
In Memory of Simon Barter
This inaugural Summer Open Exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Simon Barter, whose passion for the arts, generosity of spirit and unwavering support of Yardley Arts touched so many lives. His enthusiasm, leadership and friendship remain at the heart of everything we do, and his contribution to this exhibition and to the wider arts community will be remembered with great affection and gratitude.