South West and Torbay on show in all its glory
More than 70 local and national artists are showing at the Artizan gallery
The South West in all its glory is on show at a Torquay art gallery.
The Artizan Collective in Fleet Street has opened Peninsula: The South-West Open 2026, a landmark exhibition running through to September 4.,
Marking a fresh chapter for the gallery’s long-standing Summer Open, this year’s show shifts focus to a dedicated narrative celebrating the unique physical, cultural, and historic character of the South West, including Torbay.
The gallery says: “The South West peninsula is a region defined by striking geography and deep geological roots - from the rugged granite tors of the moors to the ancient, fossil-rich cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
“Historically, it has served as a vital maritime gateway and a hub of industrial innovation. Today, both economically and socially, it remains a resilient landscape where deep-rooted agricultural and maritime heritage meets a thriving, modern creative economy.
“This distinct environmental and social tapestry has long served as a crucible for artists, drawn to the peninsula's relative isolation, its dramatic weather systems, and the profound, daily intersection of land and sea.”
Featuring work from 76 local and national artists, the exhibition brings together a rich diversity of mediums including watercolour, pastel, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, metalwork, and mixed media.
The curation is built around three distinct themes. West Country Vistas explores the region’s dramatic coastlines, rolling moors, and rural spaces through everything from plein air painting and coastal photography to abstract landscapes and 3D interpretations.
Made of the West highlights the tactile sculptural talent, materials, and heritage crafts that define West Country making.
Finally, Western Light draws inspiration from the peninsula’s famous, luminous quality of light that has captivated creative minds for centuries.
"For over a decade, our annual Summer Open has been a cornerstone of the Artizan calendar," says the gallery team. "This year, we wanted to anchor the show directly in the spirit of our region—grounded in the landscapes, materials, and legendary light of the South West. The response from artists across the country has been phenomenal."
The exhibition’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm (or by appointment) Admission is free