THOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Frome for the Open exhibition during Black Swan Arts’ annual programme from July 15 to September 11.

The show features cutting-edge work from established art practitioners through to avant-garde young graduates with more than 100 artworks covering mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, sculpture, ceramics and video.

Every piece is for sale, with a top price of £1,000 to encourage collectors and first-time buyers to snap up investments.

Curator Amanda Sheridan said: "We want visitors to feel they can take the art off our walls and put it up in their own home.

"Some of the work is challenging, but there are pieces to suit every taste, and it is all original and created by incredibly talented artists."

More than 400 artists have entered this year, and those selected have the chance of winning a series of impressive prizes.

The judging panel includes a number of notable arts professionals in the South West.

Visitors can also vote for their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced at the end of the exhibition.

The Black Swan Arts Open is also a chance to support a local community arts centre. Black Swan Arts is a registered charity, and the exhibition is critical to the financial survival of the non-publicly funded organisation.

Emma Warren, the centre manager, said: "The Open is a crucial fundraiser for Black Swan Arts, which supports the art and craft community and arts education regionally.

"By entering work, visiting the show and buying art, visitors are helping to ensure that we can keep this vital arts resource open."