Gillian Lee Smith has won Museums Northumberland’s annual Open Exhibition for her splendid painting ‘Roots Break Rock (Quarry Trees at Belsay)’. You can see it – and the best of the other entries – at Woodhorn Museum.

Take it away Gillian Lee Smith: “This is my fourth time exhibiting in the show, and it just gets better year after year. The range of work is always inspiring, and I am so glad to see a Northumberland-based exhibition on this scale gaining deserved attention and submissions.” Lee Smith’s work was selected from more than 230 artworks submitted to this year’s Open Exhibition, and also picking up commendations were Judy Seymour for her piece ‘Dance me Wild’ (inspired by the works of Matisse and the ancient Roman pagan festival Saturnalia – as well as Northumberland’s nature and wildlife) and Claire Shand for ‘Silent Night Hunter’ (a watercolour inspired by the barn owls that live on her farm). In all, 113 artists have work at this year’s exhibition, and it remains one of the most captivating shows of its type in the region. GM

Open Exhibition: Wild Northumberland, until 8 May, Woodhorn Museum, Ashington. museumsnorthumberland.org.uk