Two artists from Somerset have been selected for an international art exhibition.
The Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) chose Alexandra Lavizzari from Wellington and Rachel Smith from Taunton to feature in their exhibition at Wells Cathedral from August 3 to August 31.
The worldwide competition received approximately 2,500 entries.
Judges selected 121 artworks displayed in different mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, sculpture and installation.
Submissions came from 27 countries including Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Peru.
Alexandra Lavizzari, renowned for her photography said: "When it comes to photography, I like to experiment with various degrees of abstraction, and the result very often just remains in my studio.
"The taste for art is more conventional locally and there is – with exceptions - little appreciation for abstracts."
Her photograph, Rain in Westhay Moor, was selected and was the product of a dull, rainy day at Westhay Moor Nature Reserve.
She further expressed her delight in capturing the rainfall through willow branches.
Printmaker, Rachel Smith, hailing from Taunton, was also chosen for her print, Arthur’s Stone, a technique involving a design being hand carved into a linoleum block and then pressed onto paper in layers.
WAC chair Paddy O’Hagan said: "We want to not only deliver a platform for artists to show their work in such an inspirational and prestigious space but also provide visitors with access to an enriching experience which is perhaps associated more with a large metropolitan art gallery."
Besides the Gallery Show, the WAC Installation Show includes 19 site-specific installations within the Cathedral and Camery Gardens aimed to evoke responses to the architectural, spatial and spiritual aspects of Wells Cathedral, allowing visitors to see the majestic medieval building with new eyes.
Mr O'Hagan: "As always, we are immensely grateful to Wells Cathedral for allowing us to put on an exhibition of this size and scale.
"And, on behalf of everyone at WAC, I’d also like to welcome The Reverend Canon Toby Wright as the new Dean of Wells Cathedral and wish him every success."
The cost of entry to the exhibition is included with the admission to the Cathedral.
A virtual exhibition will also be available for those unable to visit in person.
Visit the website www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk for more information.
