Sunday 30th saw a sparkling event at the Kitchen Gallery with the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Peter Lloyd Jones and his wife presenting the Prizes in the Kitchen Gallery's First Open Art Exhibition for Contemporary Artists in the North West of England.

Lisa Ashcroft was delighted to accept as overall Prize Winner with a cheque and the offer of a solo show in September and a full marketing package, while the staff of Norton Priory voted Rachael Elwell as the winner of the Norton Priory Prize.

The exhibition is the result of a competition which attracted more that seventy entrants from across the North West from which twenty-two finalists were selected.

Over a hundred and fifty visitors crammed into the small but perfectly formed gallery. Visitors were able to meet with many of the artists who were happy to discuss their art works. Everyone thought that this event was a great success and expressed their desire to see it expanded into new and more interesting areas. The large number of visitors also enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of Norton Priory's Walled Gardens, where the Kitchen Gallery is lucky to be based.

Resident artists and curators Sarah Nicholson and Stash Krakiewicz and guest curator Louise Hesketh, Halton Borough Council's Visual Arts Development Officer, had the task of sifting through all the applications, "It was like Christmas," said Sarah, "with every parcel holding a new surprise! And it is wonderful to be able to put together such a diverse and exciting group of artists and it seems people have agreed with our selection."

Since 2003 the Kitchen Gallery and Studio has represented the practice of two artists, Sarah Nicholson and Stanislaw (Stash) Jan Krakiewicz, have their studios located there and have enjoyed having the public "discover" them as part of their visit to the Walled Gardens to historic tourist attraction of Norton Priory Museum & Gardens.

The First Kitchen Gallery Open Competition for Contemporary Artists in the North West has been made possible by funding from the Arts Council of England, Halton Borough Council Arts Development Unit and by Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.

The exhibition runs until the 28th of May 2006.
To find out more and to view the work of the artists mentioned above please visit the website www.kitchengallery.uk.com or contact the gallery for further information on info@kitchengallery.uk.com.
The Gallery's opening times are Friday to Sunday 1.30 - 4.30 and by appointment.