Members of the public are being invited to vote in the Surrey Artist of the Year 2024 competition at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham.

The contest, a collaboration between the gallery and Surrey Artists Open Studios, features a free exhibition which will be open Tuesday to Saturday from September 14 to November 9 between 10.30am and 5pm.

There will be a private view of the works on September 13 from 6pm to 8pm and the awards ceremony will be held on October 25 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

From intricate designs to bold expressions, visitors will discover a rich array of artwork spanning various media such as painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, glass and paper art.   The shortlisted artists are Simran Ahira, Tracey Jane Cooper, Sarah Cox, Diana Croft, Liz Hauck, Alison Hunt, Richard Jack, Jennifer Jokhoo, Rosalinda Kightley, Claire Kent, Colette Moscati, Peg Morris, Julie Patton, Philip Ryland, Sarah Rawlins, Julia Stockwell-Hamid and Chantelle Watson.   Voting is in person at the gallery from the start of the exhibition until October 25. The public and a panel of judges will decide who wins the title, a £1,000 bursary and a solo exhibition at the gallery. Surrey Artist of the Year 2023 Lucy Dorothy Nichols returns for a simultaneous One Year On exhibition. Shortlisted Farnham artist Richard Jack died recently but at the request of his family his artwork will still be part of the exhibition as a tribute to his talent and contribution to the arts community.