62nd Essex Open

26th September – 20th December 2026

Beecroft Art Gallery, Southend-on-Sea

On September 25th, I attended the Opening Reception of the 62nd Essex Open Exhibition. It was great to meet up with friends from the Leigh Art Trail and wider creative community, plus exciting to see my exhibited work, a nest of gilded eggs, on display.   

The 62nd Essex Open Art Exhibition runs from 26 September – 20 December 2026 at Beecroft Art Gallery, Southend-on-Sea. This exhibition is the largest and longest-running open art event in the region.

The Essex Open began in 1957, was created as a local alternative to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. More than six decades later, it continues to showcase the extraordinary range of artistic talent found across Essex and East London. This year’s exhibition was selected by artist Heidi Wigmore, bringing together a diverse and exciting selection of work.