It’s one of Brentford’s best kept secrets but now budding artists have a chance to showcase their work on Johnsons Island.
The waterside hideaway is home to a community of painters, sculptors and photographers - 14 in all - who are able to express themselves free from the distractions of normal urban locations.
However, twice a year it likes to welcome a crowd by throwing open the doors of its various studios to the general public.
In order to help boost awareness even further this year, the resident artists have come up with the Johnsons Island Art Competition and are accepting entries until next Tuesday (20).
The competition is to help promote art in the community and get creative juices flowing and is aimed at those who have been hiding their talents until now.
The theme is Wildlife and Waterways and entrants are invited to use whatever medium suits them best to express and interpret their natural surrounds.
The top three submissions will be exhibited in the gallery alongside the work of the resident artists during the Summer Open Studios event on June 6-8 from 11am-6pm.
Visitors will be asked to vote for their favorite piece and help decide the overall winner.
A panel of judges will decide which of the submissions reach the final three, including well known London artists John James and Jason Bowyer.
Island artist Tara Winona says “I love my quirky island studio - it’s a tranquil haven for me and we all look forward to the open exhibition as it is great way to show the local community what we do.”
Local businesses are supporting the competition and there is also a prize cashpot which currently stands at £300.
Entry is free and deadline for work is May 20.
The island is reached by footbridge from the Brewery Tap in Catherine Wheel Road. Access is easy by public transport and there is plenty of parking.
Visit http://www.johnsonsislandartists.com/art-competition.html for more information.
