Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery is proud to present Open Art 2026, a vibrant and inclusive exhibition showcasing the work of 27 local and regional artists.
Opening to the public from Saturday 4 April to Saturday 27 June at the Leeming Street site, the exhibition highlights the breadth, diversity, and talent of the area’s creative community.
The exhibition follows an open call issued last year, which attracted more than 50 submissions from artists across the region. A dedicated community panel, made up of local residents, carefully reviewed each entry and selected the final works on display. This unique approach places the community at the heart of the curatorial process, ensuring the exhibition reflects a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Open Art 2026 features an impressive variety of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textiles, and mixed media. The exhibition brings together both established professionals and emerging artists, as well as hobbyists and individuals exhibiting their work publicly for the very first time.
Among the featured artists is Abbi Olla, whose mixed media work draws inspiration from the natural world, combining textures and materials to reflect growth, change, and the beauty of local landscapes. Also highlighted is Caitlin Bower, a self-taught photographer presenting her work publicly for the first time, whose conceptual imagery explores themes of transformation and the subtle boundary between reality and imagination.
The exhibition explores a wide range of themes, from personal experience and family life to heritage, nature, and contemporary storytelling. Together, the works celebrate not only artistic skill and imagination, but also the powerful role creativity plays in fostering connection, reflection, and pride in place.
The exhibition will be officially launched at a preview evening on Thursday 2 April, with the Mayor and other invited guests in attendance.
Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said:
"Open Art is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when creativity and community come together. This exhibition gives local people a platform to share their voices, tell their stories, and celebrate their talents. It’s not just about art on the walls - it’s about pride in our place, supporting one another, and recognising the importance of culture in bringing our community closer together."
This important annual exhibition continues to support artists at all stages of their creative journey, offering a welcoming and accessible platform while strengthening connections between the museum and the community it serves.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition, discover new artists, and engage with the stories and emotions behind each piece.
Entry to Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery is free and everyone is welcome; we look forward to seeing you soon.