Mayor urges budding artists to help create a “digital gallery”

WARRINGTON Mayor Geoff Settle is calling on all budding artists in the borough to help created a “digital gallery” of the town’s heritage
He is organising an amateur charity art heritage competition – with a bit of a difference.
Entries must be an original artwork based on a heritage building or structure within the borough – such as the Cantilever Bridge, the Barley Mow or Walton Hall.
And Warrington’s first “digital mayor” wants as many entries as possible to be submitted digitally.
Artwork can be produced in any media – pen, pencil, paint, textiles and photography.
There’s even help available to anyone interested in taking part, with a special “open morning” being held at the Town Hall on Saturday March 5 from 9am-12 noon. There will be opportunities to do some sketching, take photographs and get top tips on painting and drawing from Great Sankey artist Sue Cartwright.
There is a £5 charge which will cover the fee for an entry into the competition.
Cllr Settle said: “As Warrington’s first ‘digital mayor’ and with a real interest in art, I thought this would be a great way to raise money for the Mayor’s charity, get people drawing and painting buildings in Warrington and create a digital record as well.”
The Mayor is keen to promote and encourage the use of electronic media and save competitors from having to bring in their entries until the final week when they will be displayed in a local gallery.
Amateur artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit their entries via Facebook or by emailing [email protected] .
Entry fees can also be paid online via the Mayor’s Virgin Giving Charity Account – search for ‘Virgin Money Giving’ on the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk . Entrants are asked to select the “donate” button and follow the standard payment instructions:
(a) donate £5 per artwork for adults aged 21-49, or £2.50 for under 21s and over 50s
(b) in the box “Would you like to leave a message with your donation?” enter the artwork title and type of medium (e.g. drawing, watercolour, photograph etc.) and put their name in the ”name” box.
For each payment received entrants can upload or email a digital image. Once a match between donation and digital entry has been made, the mayor will send out confirmation of receipt of entry and the associated
competition number.
Every assistance will be given to help competitors submit their entries on line and, if needed, at the final display stage. Help to get online is available at local libraries.
Anybody not wanting to use the digital option should contact Jennie Cordwell on 01925 442143 for an entry form.
Closing date for entries is Sunday May 3.
Finalists will be selected and put on display on a public Facebook album. Original artworks will be displayed at the Best of Northern Art and photographs at Picturesq Gallery from Saturday May 7.
Any work reaching this final stage should be ready to hang using cord or wire, but not mirror plates as these are deemed to be dangerous.
A public vote will take place on Facebook and at the two venues between Saturdays May 7 and 14.