The Surrey Artist of the Year Award gives recognition to the great variety of inspirational and creative talent in the region. The award is in its ninth year and celebrates the partnership between New Ashgate Gallery and Surrey Artists' Open Studios. The award and exhibition allows the New Ashgate Gallery Trust to champion and promote emerging and established artists and makers. With the continued support of the Patricia Baines Trust the competition has flourished year after year.
The selection of artists and makers for the exhibition is a democratic process and the Surrey Artist of the Year 2017 will be decided by the votes cast by visitors and a panel of judges. The makers in this year's shortlist are Adam Aaronson, Jo Aylwin, Naomi Beevers, Mary Branson, Alex Freeman, Emma Godden, Niki Hearnshaw, Christine Hopkins, Su Jameson, Jule Mallett, Katie Netley, Alison Orchard and
Ali Tomlin.