English Riviera Summer Open marks 10 years with major art showcase

The English Riviera Summer Open Exhibition has returned for its tenth year, presenting one of the South West’s largest and most inclusive showcases of contemporary visual art. 

Hosted by Artizan Collective CIC in their central Torquay gallery, the annual exhibition has grown into a significant fixture in the region’s arts calendar, welcoming both new and established artists working across a wide range of disciplines.

Jury selected through an open call, the 2025 exhibition features over 200 original works, spanning painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, textiles, and ceramics. Together, they form a salon-style showcase of more than 200 original pieces, presented throughout Artizan Collective’s exhibition space at Fleet Walk. 

With all works for sale, and a focus on original art, the collection proudly offers pieces at price points for any collector, and the unique opportunity to support local and independent art when you buy. 

Originally launched in 2015, the Summer Open began as a small-scale pilot. Over the past decade, it has developed into one of Artizan’s largest and most inclusive exhibitions, providing a platform for artists at all stages of their careers while reflecting the diversity of contemporary practice. 

Above: Rhian Wyn Harrison’s “The Eyes Have It”

It remains a personal homage to the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, reimagined for Torbay, and a celebration of the breadth and diversity of creative practice.

As part of this year’s exhibition, a panel of selectors has recognised five artists with awards for outstanding submissions:

2025 Award Recipients

• Contemporary Practice Award: Oliver Castledine, Tresco

• Sculptural Practice Award: Yvette Cobley, Hyena

• Innovative Practice Award: Clare Stephens, Two’s Company

• Traditional Practice Award: Naomi Hulatt, Lazy Days

• English Riviera Open Award, selected by Alex Hyams (Milligan Ltd): Rhian Wyn Harrison, The Eyes Have It – Owls

Honourable Mentions

• Keeley Joyce, I’m Jazz

• Elizabeth Murphy, Sea Surface Full of Clouds III

• Louise Wiseman, Glimpses II

• Jack Brook, The Righteous Clown

Proceeds from the exhibition support Artizan’s artist development and cultural programming. Visitors are also invited to vote for the Audience Favourite Award, which will be announced during the final week of the show.

The exhibition forms part of Artizan’s wider summer programme, including the Summer Sculpture Season, which continues to highlight outstanding material practice across disciplines.

The summer exhibition is running until August 25, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 5pm.