The Buxton Spa Prize 2016– Over 100 artists entered

Over 100 artists of all ages and abilities from the local area and UK have entered The Buxton Spa Prize 2016 to paint the town in the open air (en plein air) during May and June. The prize which was successfully launched in 2014 aims to raise the profile of artists and their work and further enhance Buxton’s national reputation as a centre for arts and culture.  

Inspired by similar competitions in Bath and Bristol, The Buxton Spa Prize has an open category with a first prize of £5,000 from the Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust, Children’s Prize and 11 – 17 year old Buxton Spa Teen Prize. The Harold Riley Sketchbook Prize which generated great interest and will be repeated again with a prize of £2000.

Rob Wilson, the winner of the 2015 Open competition commented that “
'Entering The Buxton Spa Prize encouraged me to work outside my comfort zone and produce a piece of art in a different way. Winning the Buxton spa prize last year has definitely been one of my greatest achievements to date. It has given me great publicity nationally and has raised my profile as an artist attracting many new clients.'

First Prize Sponsor Trevor Osborne added that ‘ The Buxton Spa Prized is gaining a national profile and we are delighted that artists from across the UK are visiting and staying in Buxton to capture this lovely town on canvas. We are proud that the prize is part of Buxton’s rich cultural heritage.’

The Prize judges includes renowned Salford artist Harold Riley, leading UK ‘en plein air’ artists Ken Howard RA OBE and Pete ‘The Street ‘ Brown and Chairman of Visit England and Penelope, Viscountess Cobham CBE, Buxton Spa Prize Sponsor Louise Potter and Amanda Penman the editor of Artsbeat Magazine. Artists work will be showcased in an exhibition at The Green Man Gallery in the town from 1 July until the 14 August which will also provide artists with the opportunity to sell their work.

Sponsors of the prize include the Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust, Riley Archive, Buxton and Leek College the University of Derby, No 6 The Square, The Old Hall Hotel and Vision Buxton. For further details please visit www.buxtonspaprize.co.uk or email info@buxtonspaprize.co.uk