ARTIST Helen Dowse has triumphed in St Barbe Museum’s Open Exhibition People’s Choice Award.
With almost 600 votes cast by exhibition visitors, Helen’s painting ‘Parked’ emerged as a clear favourite, receiving the highest number by a significant margin.
St Barbe spokesperson Penny Curry said: “Helen’s evocative painting captured the imagination of art lovers from across the region and beyond, standing out in a vibrant and diverse show featuring work by artists from Hampshire, Dorset and further afield.”
Now in its 25th year, the St Barbe Open celebrates local creativity and talent, with the People’s Choice Award giving visitors the opportunity to have their say.
Helen said she was “thrilled and honoured” to win the £200 award, sponsored by Lymington’s Chalk’s Gallery, especially as it was judged by exhibition.
The St Barbe Open will return in 2026. For more information, visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk.
