Grove Cottage, the home to Bishops Stortford Mencap has launched a national art competition inviting artists to submit original works of a favourite animal. The winning artists will not only see their artwork hung in the prestigious Animal Magic Art exhibition alongside works of two leading international artists but signed prints of their art will then be sold by Sworders auctioneers via an online timed public auction.

The Animal Magic Art competition and exhibition is part of Grove Cottage’s 50th anniversary celebrations this year. The exhibition is being held from 24 September – 8 October at the Rhodes Centre, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire with 40 photographs and paintings of rare breeds and exotic animals donated by Robert Dowling, the award-winning photographer and painter Gerry Jones. All the works will be sold at auction which will run from 24 September - 25 October, hosted by leading regional Auction House Sworders, the renowned fine art auctioneers, based in Stansted Mountfitchet.

Natalie Trapmore, fundraising for Grove Cottage, said: “Visual arts are a very important to Grove Cottage members and we are delighted to be able to run this Animal Magic event. The competition allows people of all ages to get involved and enter their photos, paintings and drawings of animals. It also gives us the platform to champion artistic talent and raise the artists’ profiles to an international audience via the auction as well as at the exhibition. I know it’s going to be hard to choose the winners as there are some amazingly talented people – I can’t wait to see their entries.”

Artists will compete in three age groups and are invited to submit original paintings, drawings or photography. The closing date for all entries is 10 September 2016. Entries can be left at the offices of residential and commercial estate agents Mullucks Wells and Art House International or posted to Natalie Trapmore, Animal Magic Grove Cottage, 151 London Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JX.

The winners will be announced shortly afterwards following the decision of the judges. Entrants must also agree to the full list of terms and conditions outlined below.

Art House International is also providing vouchers to the winners and Hippo Screen Printers will produce the winners’ prints for auction; all helping to raise money for Grove Cottage.

Natalie Trapmore, added: “We are so grateful to Robert and Gerry, artists of such repute for generously donating their exceptional art. Our thanks also go to the Rhodes Centre for hosting the Animal Magic exhibition, sponsors Mullucks Wells, Art House International, Hippo Screen Printers and we’re also indebted to Sworders for hosting the online timed auction, such an effective online fundraising platform. All the proceeds will make a real difference to the families we support.”

Animal Magic Art Competition:

• Free entry for paintings, drawings or photograph of an animal.
• Closing Date: 10 September 2016
• Three Age Categories: 11 & under, 12- 18, 19 & over, amateurs only
• Maximum size of entry: A4 - 210 x 300 mm
• Entries to be delivered in person to Mullucks Wells in: Bishops Stortford, Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow, Epping, Mayfair www.mullucks.co.uk, or to Art House International in Bishops Stortford or Great Dunmow, www.arthouseinternatinal.com. Postal Entries to Natalie Trapmore, ANIMAL MAGIC, Grove Cottage, 151 London Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JX: [email protected] or www.mencapgrovecottage.org ‘What’s on’
• Prizes provided by Art House International; Hippo Screen Printers will produce Winners’ prints for auction www.hipposcreenprinters.co.uk
• Full terms and conditions see www.mencapgrovecottage.org ‘What’s on’

Animal Magic Art Exhibition

24 September – 8 October at The Rhodes Centre & Bishops Stortford Museum, Bishop Stortford. Entry free: rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Launch event sponsored by Mullucks Wells www.mullucks.co.uk

Online Timed Auction

The auction starts at 9am on 24 September, ends at 5pm on 25 October.
All art can be viewed at Rhodes Gallery from 25 Sept – 8 October; a selection of works will then be on view at Sworders from 17 – 25 October, Cambridge Rd, Stansted CM24 8GE
To purchase an artwork leave a bid via timed auction on www.sworder.co.uk

Grove Cottage

In 1966 Grove Cottage was set up as a support group by a small group of families looking for things to do with their children who had learning disabilities. Today as it proudly celebrates 50 years, it provides social and educational activities for over 150 people a week of all ages with learning disabilities through a range of social, performing arts, get active and holiday clubs as well as a nursery, a speech as well as a speech and language programme, residential breaks and respite care.

It costs over £250,000 a year to run Grove Cottage and they would not exist without the support of the community. Although linked to Mencap no central funding is received from them.

Artists’ Biographies

Robert Dowling is the award-winning international photographer whose iconic images such as the Esso tiger, Lloyds Bank black horse and Jaguar’s jaguar have captured the public’s attention for years. His work in film and music has been in demand by leading companies Porsche, Sony, Coca Cola, Heinz, Guinness, Singapore Airlines, as well as bands such as Pink Floyd. Through his own film company he writes and directs film and television projects - currently is working on a film about actress and journalist Carinthia West.

www.robertdowling.com

Gerry Jones studied at the Central School of Art and Design and has enjoyed a varied career - running his own design company in the UK; designing, building and running a successful family leisure park for four years in New Zealand; travelling around the South Pacific and living in Fiji where his lifelong interest in the natural world came together with the stunning scenery, wildlife and vibrant colours. His striking paintings inspired by his travels sell privately around the world. For this Animal Magic exhibition the paintings will be acrylic on canvas of domestic and wild animals evocative of the exotic shapes and colours.

www.gerryj.com