High above Conwy, North Wales, a Victorian Arts & Crafts house sits within 150 acres of outstanding natural beauty. For decades, it has hosted an exhibition of wildlife art. Now, after the growing success of two fundraising exhibitions, Pensychnant Conservation Centre is launching its third Open – and the call for entries closes on 27 May 2026.
If your work celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world – or provokes contemplation of biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, and sustainability – this is an exhibition with a purpose.
All proceeds go directly to the conservation of Pensychnant’s habitats and wildlife.
Deadline for online submissions: Wednesday 27 May 2026, 5pm.
About Pensychnant
Pensychnant Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve (registered charity no. 1211031) conserves and celebrates nature within our cultural landscape – past, present and future.
The 150-acre nature reserve at the top of Sychnant Pass is managed for the benefit of its wildlife and for the peaceful appreciation of nature. It is also a working sheep farm, demonstrating that nature and farming can go hand-in-hand – as they must, for a sustainable world.
The quirky Victorian Arts & Crafts house, built in 1873 by the Stotts of Oldham, serves as a community venue for wildlife events, celebrating nature and promoting its conservation. Since 1992, it has hosted an exhibition of wildlife art.
Now, the third Open exhibition continues that legacy.
Exhibition Theme: Nature, Environment and Conservation
The theme for the Pensychnant Conservation Centre Open 2026 is Nature, Environment and Conservation.
The organisers welcome 2D and 3D artworks in any medium or style that:
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Showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and/or
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Provoke contemplation of environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, sustainability, and the importance of nature to the present and future well-being of humankind.
All mediums are welcome, including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, drawing, mixed media, textile, photography, and prints (woodcut, screenprint, linocut, engravings, etc.).
Please note: Facsimile prints of original work will not be accepted.
Who Can Enter?
The exhibition is open to all UK-based artists aged 16 and over.
Artists between 16 and 18 years old will be asked for parental permission.
Entry Information
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum entries per artist | Up to 3 pieces |
| 2D maximum framed size | 100cm in any dimension |
| 3D maximum size | 50cm in any dimension |
| Minimum size | None |
| Sale requirement | Artwork must be for sale during the exhibition |
| Commission | 30% (inclusive in your sale price) |
| Image file type | jpg, jpeg, PNG (max 5MB) |
| Submission requirements | Image of work + title, medium, date, price, dimensions + short statement (max 60 words) |
Entry Fees
| Number of works | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 piece | £15 |
| 2 pieces | £25 |
| 3 pieces | £35 |
Entry fees are non-refundable.
The Judges (Anonymous Judging)
All work will be judged anonymously. The prize winner will not be selected until the exhibition has been hung, and will be announced at the opening.
The judging panel includes:
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Julian Thompson
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Karen Roberts
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Barbara Winrow
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Rob Cordingley
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Nadine Carter-Smith
Prizes
| Prize | Award |
|---|---|
| Winner | Solo exhibition at Pensychnant in 2027 (dates and size to be discussed) + £50 Rosemary & Co. Artist’s Brushes voucher |
| People’s Choice Award | £25 Rosemary & Co. Artist’s Brushes voucher (awarded to the artist receiving the highest number of public votes at the end of the exhibition) |
Key Dates
| Online submission deadline | Wednesday 27 May 2026, 5pm |
|---|---|
| Notification of results | Monday 8 June 2026 |
| Delivery of selected works | Friday 19 June – Wednesday 23 June 2026 |
| Exhibition opens | Saturday 4 July 2026, 11am – 4pm (Opening day) |
| Exhibition continues | Sunday 5 July, then every Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday until 27 September 2026, 11am – 5pm |
| Collection of unsold works | Thursday 1 – Monday 5 October 2026, 11am – 3pm |
How to Apply
Submission is by online entry only via the ArtOpps Online Portal.
Steps:
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Click ENTER NOW on the Pensychnant website.
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Complete all details and pay the entry fee.
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Once logged in, upload your artwork images and information.
Before entering, artists are asked to carefully read the Rules and Guidelines – you will be asked to confirm acceptance during the online entry process.
Why Enter?
This is not a commercial gallery exhibition in a city centre. It is something rarer: an exhibition within a living nature reserve, where every sale and every entry fee directly supports:
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The upkeep and development of Pensychnant
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The conservation of its habitats and wildlife
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A working model of sustainable farming alongside nature
For artists whose practice engages with the natural world – whether through celebration, documentation, or lament – this is an opportunity to show work in a place that lives its values.
And for the winner: a solo exhibition at Pensychnant in 2027, in one of the most beautiful settings in North Wales.
Final Checklist
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Are you a UK-based artist aged 16 or over?
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Does your work respond to the theme of Nature, Environment and Conservation?
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Is your 2D work within 100cm (framed) or your 3D work within 50cm?
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Is your work for sale, with 30% commission included in the price?
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Is your entry fee paid?
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Can you deliver selected work between 19–23 June 2026?
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Can you collect unsold work between 1–5 October 2026?
Pensychnant Conservation Centre Open 2026
Theme: Nature, Environment and Conservation
Exhibition: 4 July – 27 September 2026 (weekends & bank holidays)
Deadline for entries: Wednesday 27 May 2026, 5pm
Entry fees: £15/£25/£35 | Prize: Solo exhibition in 2027
Enter Now via the ArtOpps Online Portal HERE
Pensychnant Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve (registered charity no. 1211031). Conserving nature within our cultural landscape – past, present and future.
