COVENTRY artist Gabrielle Roberts-Dalton has been awarded £1,000 for an ink drawing about the menopause at a major city art exhibition.
She is the winner of the Coventry Open 2020, which is now in its eleventh year, at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
The Conversation was taken from her Thin Tissue series of more than 50 paintings and drawings exploring the theme of menopause, with another of her canvas paintings also making it into the final selection on display.
Roberts-Dalton, who was presented with the top prize at the exhibition launch, has submitted her work for the biennial Coventry Open nearly every time since it first began, winning the visitor’s vote in 2014 and now the top prize for 2020 – proof that perseverance often pays off!
She said: “I am thrilled to have had my work on display for the Coventry Open – having entered nearly every time it’s so great to have won and for people to be able to see my artwork at the museum.
“This is an Indian ink drawing which explores the emotional impact of changes to the body through menopause, as part of my series inspired by my own experiences.
“I think it’s particularly wonderful that a drawing has won this year’s competition, as I truly believe everyone can get involved in drawing as an artistic medium.
“Following this, I am planning to keep expanding the Thin Tissue series of work and to continue creating art in the city – this has been a wonderful opportunity to display what I’ve worked on so far so I am keen to keep building upon this collection.”
More than 340 pieces of work were entered into the competition including a vivid knitted green cardigan, a wooden figurine sculpture and a fun toy ship by artists from across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands region.
Three finalists also received special commendations from the judges for their pieces – Ryan Hart’s To Run And Never Tire, Ashley Spindler’s Sometimes and Alexander Hatfield’s Jojo.
Ruark Jon-Stevens at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum said: “The quality of the art submitted has been incredible and it’s great to see that Gabrielle Roberts-Dalton will have her art on display again, after winning the visitor’s vote in 2014.
“The Coventry Open helps us to support both new and established artists in the region and encourages local artists to get involved and have their work on display in the city so it was great to see so many people attending the launch event.”
The finalists’ artwork will be on display until Sunday, April 19 and admission to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is free.
To get involved with the visitor’s vote, simply come and choose your favourite entry. For more information on the Coventry Open, visit: herbert
