The work of hundreds of Preston-based artists will be on display once again at the Harris’ annual celebration of local artistic talent.

The Harris Open exhibition will showcase work from over 320 artists including photography, sculptures, ceramics and textiles, plus digital and traditional painting.  

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The exhibition launches today (Friday 13 December) with a free preview event from 6pm to 8pm that is open to all.

Read more: What’s on in and around Preston this weekend

This year the Harris is highlighting work by local organisations The FX project (part of Caritas Care in Preston), Young Addaction, and Guild Lodge .

There will also be work on display from Art and Mind, a group that meets at the Harris to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Tim Joel, Head of Culture at the Harris, said: “The Harris’ large scale galleries are ideal for local artists to display their work to thousands of our visitors. This year we made it even easier for people to submit their work by introducing a 24-hour access digital form.

“This was extremely popular, encouraging submissions from even more local artists from many different backgrounds.

“We also have a range of experimental work from young people studying art and design at Cardinal Newman College on display.”

Mark Love, Occupational Therapist and artist with Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Being able to exhibit in a public gallery really helps to communicate the work produced by service users who are restricted in their environment.

“It provides, goals and projects for us to work on and enables service users to build up their skills, self-esteem and confidence.

“We are hoping it showcases a range of abilities and helps to reduce the stigma around mental health through art”.

Read more: Slow down and relax as the Harris launches new wellbeing gallery and workshops

The exhibition will run from Saturday 14 December to Sunday 26 January.

Will you be going to the Harris Open? Let us know in the comments.