It showcased the latest work from some of the UK’s most prestigious high-profile artists and sculptors, all of whom have been the principal guests in previous years. We also welcomed new, talented artists who exhibited for the first time, as well and many of our regular amateur exhibitors.

Since its inception in 1996, we have guaranteed a variety and quality that has always thrilled our visitors, and this year was no exception.   More than 2,000 entries were whittled down to 600 exhibits, many of which were available for the public to admire and buy.

We were delighted at the very high standard and diversity of our International Baccalaureate pupils’ work in painting, textiles, photography and ceramics. All their work was distributed in the main body of the exhibition alongside that of the many famous professional artists.

Among the artists invited to return to exhibit this year, we were pleased to show work by international and national celebrities such as David Shepherd, the famous wild life artist, who opened the first ever VivArtis Exhibition in 1996.   Philip Jackson, a local sculptor with an international reputation returned with two exquisite small sculptures and Ken Paine, past president of the Pastel Society and a member of the Société des Pastellistes de France, was also on top form with a series of richly painted expressive portraits.  Nick Bashall, war artist and portraitist, exhibited some powerfully observed charcoal studies of a nude emerging from the shadows and Nic Fiddian Green work included a large bronze horse’s head and a small a version of his monumental Horse at Water, which currently stands at Marble Arch.

An exciting new talent this year was John Wright who is also an international photographer and writer and was represented by a glorious off-beat series poking fun at women of fashion.  

Also on display was an exhibition of work entered for the VivArtis Junior Schools’ Art Competition, which was sponsored again by the Haslemere Branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts. This local organisation has not only supported this competition for the past three years, it also awards an art prize for pupils at the School.

“The standard of work was exhibited was outstanding this year and it was such a joy to display it” said the organiser, Evelyn Phillips, who has been the artistic director of the Exhibition since 1996.