Talented Teenager Wins Wrexham Open People’s Prize

A fourteen year old artist has been named the winner of the Wrexham Open People’s Prize. 

Emily Speakman was revealed as the winner of the competition last month, after her painting ‘It’s Stormy Out’ was voted as the winner by the public. Emily also won the Young People’s prize in the competition.

The Wrexham Open is open submission exhibition that is held at the Oriel Wrecsam. The exhibition itself is open to all artists from all walks of life, whether they’re professional, amateur, children or students. Entries to the exhibition included drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and ceramics to name but a few!

This year the winning selection was made by James Harper, who is a recent graduate from the MA Curating course at Chelsea College of  Art and Design. James is also a Director of Jazzcakes and Coordinator of PRAW(N)

Arts Manager, Steffan Jones-Hughes said: “This is an exciting time for the arts in Wrexham, with so much going on. Wrexham really is a creative place and the Open was a showcase for this talent. We have lots of opportunities for volunteering at Oriel Wrecsam and hope that people come in to see what’s happening. Our current shows are “The wolves are running”, an exciting mixed show of art and craft, “and Also” showcasing illustrators who are inspired by folk art, and “ScrapArt” featuring a project with young people. Our siop//shop is fully stocked with exciting things for Christmas.

“Oriel Wrecsam is proud to support local talent at all stages of their careers. We wish Emily every success as she develops her young talent over the coming years and hope that winning this prize will help to support her on her creative path.”

The next Open will be in the autumn of 2014 and more young people are encouraged to take part. For more information on events and exhibitions at the Oriel, then please visit their Facebook page.