ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITION

Hampstead Art Society’s Annual Summer Exhibition returns on June 26th - featuring an exciting collection of  British and international works selected from the most expansive Open Call to date. Opening soon in the heart of Mayfair at D Contemporary Gallery, the curated group exhibition comprises 70 works, including the final selection that was chosen from a record breaking year for artist submissions.

Significant new elements will be introduced: 'Hampstead Art Society Invites' is welcoming Antony Williams to exhibit two beautiful and original still-lifes. Spotlighting his detailed, intimately observed egg tempera paintings, the new format will include artist talks during the exhibition and offers the opportunity to celebrate specific
artists alongside the wider umbrella of the Open Call.

On view for two weeks will be new works by diverse artists, uniting various styles all under one roof for a brief time only. This year promises to be a dream-like iteration, with many works on view that capture a feeling of the fantastic, ambiguous nature of our times. The public is invited to explore surreal nocturnes, intimate portraiture,
skillful plein-air, as well as unique takes on still-life and sculpture - all radiant visions that are the works of dedicated contemporary artists. Joining the judging panel this year is Michael Taylor (elected member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters), whose acclaimed work will also be exhibited. Returning on the panel is James Lloyd (First Prize in the BP Portrait
Award, and the Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture), Joshua Press (Former artist in residence at Cob Gallery, scholarship winner with the Studio Escalier), Patricia Barker (William Sloane Medal winner, tutor at the Hampstead School of Art) and Tom Marsh (Associate member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters). All judges will contribute artworks to the exhibition.

Prizes will include the Henrion Award (£2,000 cash prize) and the People's Choice Award - sponsored by Art Escape Italy, which rewards the winning artist with a 6 night stay in the Chianti region of Tuscany, on one of Art Escape Italy's immersive retreats at Antico Borgo La Torre. Speaking on the appeal of Hampstead Art Society shows, Nathan Perry, winner of the Henrion Award 2022 notes: “It is impressive to see how all the work interplays together while also maintaining their individual worlds. There’s also something special about the quality of art involved not only in the Open Call, but with members, events, classes, and model sessions held in association with Hampstead Art Society.” 

Expanding on the growing success, founder Mari Tskiria comments: “We are run by artists, for artists, and are establishing a reputation for championing unique and bold visions that deserve to be seen. We formed originally in Hampstead and the wider London area out of a small group of contemporary painters, who wanted to provide a new platform for art based on merit. Every year we have seen higher interest in our Open Call - this year we had entries from over 50 countries and the works on view will reflect the international response. The quality is at an all time high, I am excited for people to see this show.”

Members of the public are invited to view works (free entry) from June 26th to July 8th at D Contemporary
Gallery, 23 Grafton Street, London W1S 4EY