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Surrey Artist of the Year 2026: Celebrating Creativity in Surrey

Join us in recognising Surrey's artistic talent with the Surrey Artist of the Year 2026 competition. Organised by New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with Surrey Artists Open Studios, this annual event has championed local artists since 2009, offering a platform to showcase their work and connect with new audiences. The competition features a diverse selection of artists working in painting, printmaking, drawing, textiles, ceramics, and more. Following public voting at the Surrey Artists Open Studios in June and July, the shortlist will be announced in August. The finalists will then exhibit their work at the New Ashgate Gallery, where voting continues until 23 October, noon, to help determine the winner. The shortlisted artists are: Kate Alger, Jane Alexander, Sophie Brogden, Becca Clegg, Sarah Cox, Diana Croft, Jennifer Dalcie, Stephanie Draper, Lorelei Hopkins, Liane Matthews, Amy Mears (nominated by DAiSY), Fiona Millais, Jane Silk, Artan Jahaj, Jean Tolkovsky, Chantelle Watson, Shirley Watson. How to Get Involved Visitors play a key role in selecting the Surrey Artist of the Year through two rounds of voting. The first takes place at Surrey Artists Open Studios, where the shortlist is chosen. The second round runs during the gallery exhibition from September to October, allowing the public to cast their final votes. A panel of judges will also contribute to the decision.