OPEN CALL 2026 - MEET THE JUDGES

We are delighted to introduce the judging panel for this year’s 2026 Artist Open Call Exhibition. This year we have six industry professionals whose diverse backgrounds reflect the rich spectrum of today’s creative landscape.

From gallery owners, educators, and art consultants to practicing artists and podcast hosts, each panelist brings a distinct perspective and valuable expertise to the selection process. We are incredibly grateful for their time and vision in helping us shape this summer's exhibition, and cant wait to see the work they select for the show.

Meet the Sixteen Gallery Open Call 2026 judging panel below:

MARTHA LAMONT

ARTIST, EDUCATOR AND PODCAST HOST

Martha Lamont is an artist, educator and podcast host based in Bristol. Her practice explores spaces of uncertainty, working between abstraction and figuration, as she uses painting to think through moments of change. She has exhibited widely, including with Blueshop Gallery, Woolwich Print Fair and Soho Revue. Alongside her practice, she runs contemporary painting clubs, and offers mentorship to support artists in developing their practice and ideas and focus on their creative growth. Martha is also one-half of The Healthy Artist podcast, a platform that, through community-led conversation, redefines what it means to thrive creatively. Now over a year old, alongside Dan Curtis, Martha has created a space to discuss the highs and lows and often unspoken challenges of being a contemporary artist and spoken candidly about navigating many of the toxic spaces in the creative world with thoughtful insight and practical, sustainable advice.

ARHUR OWEN SMITH

ARTIST AND SIXTEEN GALLERY FOUNDER

Arthur Owen-Smith is an artist, designer, illustrator and screen printer with over a decade of experience spanning both commercial projects and independent practice. His studio work has evolved toward a painterly approach, using mixed media to create richly layered imagery defined by texture, colour and material experimentation. He is co-founder of Sixteen Gallery, established with his father, Andy, which has grown into a vibrant community hub supporting artists at all stages of their careers. He has played a key role in developing opportunities for artists to present independent exhibitions within a supportive, artist-led environment. He also developed the Sixteen Gallery Collective, an artist-led network, growing from the gallery itself, designed to support practising artists with visibility and opportunities, reflecting his commitment to fostering an active creative community.

KATIE & TASH JOHNNSTON

FOUNDERS OF THIS HOUSE, GALLERY AND ARTIST RESIDENCY IN NAILSWORTH

Sisters and co-founders of This House in Nailsworth, Katie and Tash began running an artist residency program from their cottage on the hill, and opened their beautiful neighbourhood gallery in the summer last year, as a space to celebrate artists and host creative events. Katie is a practising illustrator and workshop leader with over 15 years’ experience, while Tash brings a background in community management and the interiors and lifestyle space. Together, they perfectly balance to form a team deeply rooted in creativity, with a strong curatorial sensibility. At This House, they have developed an evolving programme of exhibitions throughout the year, inviting both local and visiting artists to present solo and small-group shows. Through their residencies and exhibitions, they've created a space that houses creativity and connection, championing exciting artists and contemporary craftsmanship in the heart of the Stroud Valleys.

JOE GRUNDY

ART CONSULTANT

Joe Grundy is a local art consultant with over eight years of experience across the art and design industries, supporting artists at all stages with career development, market strategy, and representation. He works closely with artists, offering tailored guidance that spans artist positioning, exhibition planning, pricing strategy, and gallery partnerships. His approach combines practical industry insight, particularly within the interior design sector, with a clear focus on building sustainable, long-term careers. In addition to his work with artists, Joe advises collectors on acquisition strategy, market intelligence, and collection management, supporting both new and established buyers in making informed decisions. His broad, cross-sector perspective brings a thoughtful and pragmatic lens to working with artists and collectors, with an emphasis on clarity of vision, professionalism, and the realities of navigating today’s art world.

SARAH MIDDLETON

ART HISTORIAN, LECTURER AND ARTIST

Sarah Middleton is an art historian, lecturer and artist based in Stroud. She leads walks and talks with local organisations such as The Wilson and the Stroud Textiles Trust, and delivers lectures at The Painswick Centre, The Wilson, Jackson's Art and to local art groups – sharing her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for art history across a wide range of topics. From "Groundbreaking Women in Art" to "Da Vinci & His Dames", she brings artworks and the personalities who created them to life in a fun and engaging way. Sarah also writes and presents short films for The Artist magazine, bringing her insights to a broader audience. Alongside her talks, she works as a manager at Jackson's Art in Stroud, where she has a studio and remains closely connected to contemporary practice. Her own work explores the meditative and sensory qualities of painting, embracing its visceral and intuitive nature. Rooted in the rhythms of seasonality, her practice reflects on shifting landscapes, both familiar and newly encountered, capturing moments of change with sensitivity and quiet attention.

Together, our judges for the Sixteen Gallery Open Call 2026 offer a blend of gallery and curatorial experience, educational expertise, creative mentorship, and the invaluable outlook of practicing artists. Valuing work that resonates emotionally and authentically, the panel is looking forward to discovering new artists, distinctive pieces and work that speaks with purpose —whether you are just starting out or refining a mature practice.

Follow the link below to find out more and submit to the Open Call.

Submissions are open until 12:00pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

OPEN CALL 2025