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 in the Rhodes Gallery at the Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s 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, Bishop’s 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 Arts Complex 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: Bishop’s Stortford, Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow, Epping, Mayfair www.mullucks.co.uk, or to
Art House International in Bishop’s Stortford or Great Dunmow, www.arthouseinternatinal.com or

Postal Entries to Natalie Trapmore, ANIMAL MAGIC, Grove Cottage, 151 London Road, Bishop’s 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’