THE sixth biennial Waterside Open exhibition opened this week, showcasing work by established and emerging artists.

It includes contemporary art and craft using a diverse range of art forms including 2D and 3D visual arts, textiles, crafts, photography, print, sculpture, taxidermy and digital media.

Hundreds of works of art were submitted for selection in February where they were assessed by a prestigious judging.

The winners were announced at a special preview event last at Waterside, attended by the selected artists, their families, as well as other guests and VIPs.

The first prize was awarded to Bolton-based Sandra Bouguerch for her work Tarred, with second prize going to Angela Herd Hall’s When I Win..., third prize to Alison Scott for The Nana and the Best in Trafford prize to Carol Duhaney for Prince in all his Glory.

Highly commended prizes went to: Serena Hammill with Aleksey Pisemsky; Steven Heelham’s film still; Norman Herringshaw’s, The Legend of Skyflower Meadow; Jayne Pellington’s, Ferry Across....; Jen Orpin’s, Neapolitan; and Susy Robson, with La Chapelle St Aman.

After being announced as winner Sandra said: “I am thrilled at being recognised for a portrait of my late father Terence who was so very supportive of my arts practice. It is a lovely feeling that our relationship through the arts has won first prize.”

The Best in Trafford winner Carol said: “I am so appreciative of the selecting panel for picking my work for Best in Trafford. It is wonderful to think that someone else can feel my passion for visual art.”

During the exhibition, there will also be a Visitor's Choice Award to be decided by visitors to the exhibition by the end of April. In 2019 there will be a group exhibition at Waterside for the 2018 winners.

The exhibition will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm and visitors to the free exhibition will also have the opportunity to purchase the works of art on display.