Valero Pembroke Refinery has generously agreed to sponsor an additional £500 award for ‘Wintering’ - an exhibition of contemporary art being held in Pembrokeshire.

Artists from across West Wales are being invited to submit work for ‘Wintering’ - a new selected exhibition of contemporary art taking place at Isobel Kidd Sculpture Studio & Gallery in Pembroke from December 1 to 31.

The exhibition will bring together established and emerging artists living or working in West Wales, with £1,600 in prize money now being offered across the exhibition awards.

The prize fund includes the £500 Wintering prize; a £200 Isobel Kidd Gallery Award; three Highly Commended prizes of £100 each; and a £100 Visitors’ Choice Award.

Now add to that the ‘Valero Young West Wales Artist Award 2026’ with £500 up for grabs, Open to artists aged 13–25 living or working in West Wales.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed and thrilled to announce that Valero Pembroke Refinery has generously agreed to sponsor an additional £500 award,” said Isobel.

“This is so much more than a financial prize. It is an investment in imagination, ambition and the extraordinary creative potential of young people across our region.

“Valero Pembroke Refinery has a remarkable history of supporting charities, young people and communities throughout Pembrokeshire.

“I am deeply moved that they have chosen to extend that generosity to young artists across West Wales, recognising the importance of nurturing creative talent and providing opportunities for the next generation.

“My heartfelt thanks go to Stephen Thornton, PGPA Manager, and Hywel Gibbs, Communications Specialist, for their exceptional generosity, encouragement and thoughtful support in making this award possible,” she added.

The exhibition takes its title from the idea of wintering - not simply winter as a season, but a period of stillness, endurance, shelter, migration, survival and eventual renewal.

Gallery founder and sculptor Isobel Kidd said: “I wanted Wintering to be much more than an exhibition about winter landscapes. In the natural world, what appears dormant can actually be full of activity. Seeds wait beneath the soil, animals adapt, coastlines continue to change and life quietly prepares for another season.

“I’m fascinated to see how artists across West Wales interpret that idea in completely different ways.”

The Open Call welcomes painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, textiles and fibre art, mixed media, collage, glass, metalwork, wood, jewellery and artist books.

Both established and emerging artists are encouraged to enter.

Kidd added: “What has been particularly wonderful is the response since launching the Open Call. Private support has enabled the prize fund to grow very quickly, and we can now offer £1,100 across the awards. I think that demonstrates a real desire to support artists working in West Wales.”

Artists may submit up to four works. Entry costs £15 for one work, £20 for two, £25 for three or £30 for four.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, November 8, with selected artists notified by Friday, November 13.

The exhibition will open with a Private View and prize announcement on Tuesday, December 1, from 5–8pm, and will continue at the gallery throughout December.

Images and entry information should be sent to: [email protected]

Full details and conditions are available at isobelkidd.co.uk