2007 Exeter Contemporary Open (ECO)

Exeter Phoenix  20 Sept - 1st Nov 2007

Hundreds of regional, national and international artists applied to the annual Exeter Contemporary 0pen (ECO) exhibition, which was held at Exeter Phoenix from 20 Sep – 1 Nov 2007.

The selection panel included Ceri Johnson from the Arts Council and independent curator and writer Angela Kingston.

Fifteen artists were given a place in the exhibition: Jeremy Diggle (Exeter), Paul Evens (Sheffield), Sue Kennington (London), Ione Rucquoi (Drewsteignton), James Newton (London), Polly Cruise (Moretonhampstead), Anna Kelleher (Torquay), Lai-Jin Fong (London), Maggie Royal (Bristol), Graham Clucas (Exeter), Mike Smallcombe (Cheriton Bishop), Nicola Thompson (Moretonhampstead), Damien Magee (Northern Ireland), Verity Newman (Totnes) and Adam Green (London).

In addition to the opportunity to exhibit their work, there were several awards including a £1,500 prize for best overall artwork (HW Business Advisors), £1,000 prize for best photography (ink2paper.com), £500 prize for best painting (Eyestorm Gallery) and £250 for best art student entry (Energy Creative Hair). One artist was offered a front cover feature on South West based arts magazine Proof.

The Exeter Phoenix also sponsored a £500 award for best Devon based artist.

For information on ECO 2008 visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk or phone 01392 667 080.

Milica Lewis