Art exhibition this December – Art Liberating Lives

One for the diary, this December sees the annual art exhibition by Sue Ryder Care take place in the Mall Galleries, London.

Press release

Sue Ryder Care’s annual art exhibition is a ‘must see’ this Christmas

Now in its fifth year, Sue Ryder Care’s signature art event, Art Liberating Lives will take place at the prestigious Mall Galleries, London in December. Bigger than ever, visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to purchase work by Royal Academicians and renowned and professional artists, all at affordable prices.

There will be over 250 artworks of all forms, exhibited from the 16-20 December, which celebrate the power of art as a form of therapy, expression and liberation.

More than 100 supporting artists have submitted artwork for a £12.50 fee to help support the health care charity that delivers quality care for those living with end of life and long-term conditions including; Cancer, Stroke, Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Huntingdon’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease and Motor Neurone Disease.

Artwork has been selected by a panel of judges including Elizabeth Meek, President of the Royal Miniature Society, one of her most famous commissions being HRH the Prince of Wales, Anthony Lester, a freelance fine art consultant, writer, broadcaster, lecturer and picture expert for the BBC Antiques Roadshow, David Lee, editor of the Jackdaw, broadcaster and panelist for the Turner Prize, Simon Thornley, founding board director of Getty Images, recently consulting for the Michael Hoppen Gallery, Harriet Mead, renowned sculptor and President of the Society of Wildlife Artists and Susan Ryder, former Vice President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

Alongside our experienced and celebrated judging panel, renowned artists including Ken Howard RA, Maggi Hambling OBE and Jason Bowyer PNEAC have supplied works, for auction, on the theme of liberation. During the exhibition, artwork will be on sale with proceeds going directly to Sue Ryder Care – a perfect chance to purchase affordable art whether it is a Christmas present for a loved one or to treat yourself.

There will also be over 40 pieces of artwork exhibited which have been produced by people cared for by Sue Ryder Care in their hospices and neurological care centres. Whilst several pieces are based on personal experience within the realm of the charity’s work, the broad interpretation of the theme has lead to a diverse range of art; from a piece portraying the liberation in retirement, to a bright and vibrant painting in acrylic that symbolises the sheer excitement the young artist gets from the liberation of the painting process.

For professional and semi-professional artists alike, there are several award categories including an Artist In Education Award sponsored by the Society for All Artists which gives artists the chance to win £500 in art supplies, the Ben Westwood Photography Award which will be chosen by the celebrated photographer and son of Vivienne Westwood, Chief Executive’s Choice, chosen by Sue Ryder Care’s CEO Paul Woodward, including £500 of Winsor and Newton art supplies and an RP Portrait Prize, which will be chosen by Alastair Adams, President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.

Ruth Peters, National Events Manager says, “The talent that will be on display this year has surpassed all our expectations. With the support of the Society for All Artists we will endeavour to encourage more artists to create and donate work for our exhibition to raise vital funds for the charity. 2009 is shaping up to be a wonderful exhibition and we hope this year will be the biggest and most successful yet.”

The five day exhibition begins with an exclusive Private View on the 15 December where attendees will be one of the first to see the Art Liberating Lives Exhibition. Artworks officially go on sale from 10am on 16 December. By attending the Private View you will have the unique opportunity to buy before the general public and speak to the artists about the inspiration behind their work.