Visitors to the Surrey Artist of the Year competition can vote for their favourite piece of work from the 20 shortlisted artists when they view their exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham.

The exhibition opens with a private viewing and drinks reception tomorrow (Friday) night from 6pm to 8pm and voting continues until midday on October 14.

An awards ceremony and drinks reception at 7pm on October 14 will see the artist with the most votes from the public and the judging panel named Surrey Artist of the Year 2022. They will receive a bursary of £1,000, a solo show at the New Ashgate Gallery and a winner’s stand at the Surrey Contemporary Art Fair.

The competition is organised by the New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with Surrey Artists Open Studios. The private view and the awards ceremony will both be attended by Farnham town mayor Cllr Alan Earwaker.

Surrey Artist of the Year began in 2009 and aims to celebrate the wealth of creative talent in Surrey. It offers a collective of local quality arts and crafts as voted for by the public during open studio visits. The 20 top-scoring artists come together for an exhibition and a programme of events at the New Ashgate Gallery. Artworks on show will include painting, glass, textiles, ceramics and collage/assemblage book and paper art.

The shortlisted artists in 2022 are Cathy Brett, Jane Browne, Eli D, Emma Godden, Grace Ellen, Keira Graham, Luke Hawker, Hue and Bristle, Denise Jaques, David Johns, Sophie Kathleen, Faye Mayo, Vicky O’Leary, Jo Olney, Esther Pritchard, Laura Ritchie, Louise Rowe, Lindsey Southworth, Dawn Thornhill and Angie Wallace.

Jessica Stroud, the Surrey Artist of the Year 2021, will return to the gallery for her stained glass solo exhibition Two Hedges.