Accessibility tools
Powered by 
Translate
Use the boxes below to change the website colours.
Visit disclaimer page for more information about the accessibility tool.
North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition returns
Now celebrating its 30th year, the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition is back at Eglinton Country Park, showcasing the outstanding artistic talent we have on our doorstep.
Opening over the weekend, the exhibition is set to welcome hundreds of visitors and young visitors can get creative from the moment they arrive, with a colourful activity table at the entrance where they can enjoy colouring, drawing and creating their own masterpieces.
Exhibition Coordinator Julia Griffin shares: “We are delighted to be returning to the wonderful Racquet Hall at Eglinton Country Park once again, it’s such a great venue to hold this popular exhibition.
"An incredible 150 talented artists have submitted their works to be exhibited this year and there are over 170 amazing paintings, drawings and sculptures on display. With an eclectic mix of different tastes and styles, inspired by classic, contemporary, abstract and everything in between, the event celebrates the work of artists living and working in Ayrshire and beyond."
Located close to Tournament Café - just around the corner from Eglinton’s popular playparks - the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome!
Quote: Thank you to North Ayrshire Council’s Arts and Culture team for their ongoing advice and support and to the team at Eglinton Country Park for all their help in accommodating the exhibition, we are all so excited to open the doors to the public and see the reaction to some of our most magnificent collections of artworks yet. The North Ayrshire Open Art Committee would also like to give a shout out to the amazing local sponsors offering prizes this year; FSS Wealth & Pensions, Studio 44 Gallery, Ayrshire Flooring Group, Freckfest and Buckreddan Care Home. We are also delighted to be offering the ‘30th Anniversary Award’ generously donated by North Ayrshire Council and the recipient of this very special award has been chosen by the North Ayrshire Provost, Anthea Dickson.
Quote from: Julia Griffin, North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition Coordinator
The exhibition runs daily 10am until 4pm at The Racquet Hall, Eglinton Country Park until 4pm on Saturday 18 July 2026. Entry is free and artworks are available for purchase.
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the exhibition on Friday 3 July, sharing: “It was wonderful to be a part of the unveiling of this year's North Ayrshire Open Art exhibition on Friday evening. The North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition is a place to immerse yourself and enjoy the reset of appreciating art and creativity.
“The exhibition features many different genres and so highlighting only one was very difficult. Many of the landscapes capture aspects of the Scottish countryside both locally and further afield, and I hope that it will encourage visitors to seek out some of these beauty spots.
“My choice for the 30th Anniversary Provost's Award was a painting by local artist Ron Smart who happens to be Chairman of the North Ayrshire Open Art - that made me reminisce and filled my heart with joy at the recognition of a nearby coastal location and the memories I have there - so, an emotional reaction. But I have to say that the standard of artistry was so high, making it an extremely difficult choice!"
The Provost then congratulated all of the shortlisted artists who have taken part this year on the very special 30th anniversary of the much-loved exhibition.
Quote: I was first persuaded to apply for the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition about five years ago and have been so grateful to be part of it. The artworks are so diverse you definitely need to visit a few times to take them all in. Being in Eglinton Park is such a bonus also, have a coffee or go for a walk in the beautiful surroundings, there’s nowhere quite like it. Last year I was invited to host a solo exhibition at the fabulous Harbour Arts Centre at Irvine Harbourside which is a terrific space for exhibiting but also taking part in the many creative activities on offer. If you enjoy art, in any form, then you won’t be disappointed in visiting both venues.
Quote from: Wendy Greig, Featured artist at North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition
A popular event on the Scottish art exhibition scene, the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors and local artists over the summer holiday period.
All visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to get personally involved and vote for their favourite artwork, the winner of which will receive a prize donated by UPM Caledonian Paper.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands is encouraging visitors to go along. He shares: “It is remarkable that this will now be the 30th year of the Open Art Exhibition.
“I have no doubt that the upcoming exhibition will capture the very essence of what this flagship exhibition is all about, a diverse and important annual event for both emerging and established artists and, the 30th anniversary is a true recognition of the volunteers past and present that have assisted in the success that it is today.
“I would recommend that if you are looking for something a little different to experience over the holidays, drop in to see the exhibition for yourself. There really is something for everyone.”
The Racquet Hall is relaxed and family-friendly, the venue also welcomes dogs too if they are on a lead.
Published: 07 July 2026