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The Mercer Open Returns To Harrogate

The Mercer Open returns to Harrogate

Date Posted: Tuesday 1st Nov 2022

Following a three year break, the biennial Open Exhibition has returned to the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate. Re-named the Mercer Open, the exhibition features artworks by artists that live, work, study or were born in Yorkshire, both past and present.

The exhibition opened on 17 September and is proving popular with both visitors and local residents. The mix of art styles, medium and subject matter has created a beautifully diverse, eclectic and dynamic exhibition in the historic Mercer Art Gallery.

As you enter the gallery, you are greeted by a colourful mix of traditional and contemporary art, representing a wide breadth of styles, all set against walls painted in a warm hue to represent autumn. Whether you start in the main gallery or the smaller north gallery, the exhibition wows at every turn.

Take a closer look...

There are ‘slow-looking’ prompts around the gallery that invite visitors to focus on the details of the artwork from a different perspective and make their own connections. Take a seat in the comfy chair and let the art wash over you and pique your senses. You are welcome to leave a note about your thoughts and experience for other visitors to read too.

Purchase a unique gift...

In a change from previous Open exhibitions, the art can be bought off the wall throughout the exhibition, making the Mercer Open the perfect opportunity to purchase a unique and individual gift for your home or as a birthday or Christmas present for a friend or loved one. If you wish to take the work before the exhibition closes there is a weekly schedule to take work down, wrap it and have it available for collection. A number of works are kept in reserve so the exhibition will change over time.

“It's been an absolute joy to curate The Mercer Open. It's fantastic to see the contrast of contemporary works in such a stunning historic space and it's been so nice to welcome visitors and hear their responses to the exhibition”

Courtney Spencer, Curator Mercer Open

The final 170 pieces of artwork were selected by a panel of three: artist alabamathirteen, Richard McTague, founding director of RedHouse Originals and Courtney Spencer.

Accompanying books and souvenirs are also available to purchase from the gallery shop.

The Mercer Open runs until Sunday 8 January, the Mercer Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm