A Carlisle artist has won a major prize.
Stuart Irving, part of Prism Arts, won the Judges’ Choice Award at the Brewery Arts Open Exhibition 2025 for his large-scale abstract painting Wrestlers.
Prism Arts said Stuart’s win was a major achievement, both for him and the Prism Arts community.
It said: “As an organisation dedicated to supporting learning disabled and neurodivergent creatives, Prism Arts provides long-term studio programmes, artist development opportunities, and public platforms to champion creative voices that are often underrepresented in the arts.”
Created at the Prism Arts Studio in Carlisle, Wrestlers is a bold and expressive celebration of shape, line, and colour.
Using a minimal yet striking palette and powerful abstract forms, Stuart’s work drew strong praise from the selection panel.
They said: “We thought Stuart’s work stood out as a joyful painting bursting with energy and optimism.
“We also liked the fact that it is quite raw and has a pared down simplicity; the striking but minimal colour scheme and bold linear shapes jump off the page and easily connect with the viewer.
“We are excited at the prospect of seeing a bigger exhibition of Stuart Irving’s work.”
Stuart will now present a solo exhibition of his work in the Foyer Gallery at Brewery Arts next spring.
The exhibition transformed newly refurbished public-facing spaces with powerful and joyful work by studio artists from across Cumberland, and was met with widespread acclaim.
Emma Turner, communications officer at Prism Arts, said: “Stuart is an incredibly focused and distinctive artist.
“His work has a strong visual identity that immediately captures the viewer’s attention.
“This award is a testament to his hard work and talent, and we’re so excited to see what he creates for his solo show next spring.”
