2026 Month of Art
Artist Joining Instructions
In order to prepare for your attendance at the Month of Art and to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone, please review the following guidance and keep it to hand on the day.
Information for Artists
Facilities
Toilets are located near the café and near the car park for the convenience of artists and visitors.
Food and Beverages
The Café at Hopton Hall offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, other light bites and a small selection of alcoholic beverages.
Additional Information For Gazebo Holders
Check-in
When you arrive please check in first at the Information Gazebo. A member of staff will direct you to your allocated area and answer any questions you may have. We kindly advise all exhibitors to ensure their gazebos are safe and secure, and to not leave valuables unattended.
Tutors and Workshop Leaders
Attendees can obtain an Artist Monthly Free Pass for the event. Tutors and workshop leaders are responsible for carrying out their own risk assessments and COSHH assessments for any specialist activities they provide.
Month of Art Competition Entry Guidelines
We encourage all participants to enter their completed artwork into the Month of Art Competition.
There are fantastic prizes to be won, and all submitted works will be displayed during the final weekend of the event.
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1st Prize: £1,000
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2nd Prize: £250 voucher for Turners Art Supplies
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3rd Prize: £100 voucher for Turners Art Supplies
Prize winners will be determined by a public vote. All artworks will be judged within a single category, with visitors voting for their favourite pieces on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th (10:30am - 4pm) and up until 2pm on Sunday, 26th July.
Prize presentations will take place at 3pm on Sunday, 26th July.
Submitting Your Artwork
To allow your work to be exhibited and included on the Hopton Hall Gallery website, the following information must be clearly written and securely attached to the reverse of every artwork.
Required Information
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Artist Name
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Artwork Title
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Signature and Date Location (State where the artwork is signed and dated (e.g. “Signed lower right”))
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Medium - e.g. Oil, Watercolour, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Pencil
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Artwork Dimensions - Height × Width (cm) Measure the artwork itself, excluding the frame
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Frame Dimensions (if framed) - Height × Width (cm) Overall size including the frame
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Email Address
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Telephone Number
Important: Hopton Hall uses an art management system that requires accurate information for every artwork.
Failure to provide all required details may result in the artwork not being exhibited and/or not being included on the Hopton Hall Gallery website. Please check that all information is complete and legible before submitting your entry.
Delivery Deadline
All entries must be delivered to staff at the Information Gazebo no later than 4pm on Wednesday 22nd July.
Display Requirements
If artwork is framed: Frames will be inspected to ensure they are suitable for exhibition display. Artwork containing wet media or loose, fragile materials will not be accepted.
Packaging
Please remove and take away all packaging when delivering your artwork. Hopton Hall cannot store artwork after the exhibition period. It is your responsibility to bring suitable packaging when collecting your artwork after the exhibition.
Collecting Your Artwork
Artwork must be collected promptly. Artists may collect their work on Sunday 26th July, between 4pm and 6pm (after the exhibition closes); or between 27th July and 1st August, by prior arrangement with Hopton Hall (contact: gallery@hoptonhall.co.uk.)
Safety & Security
The safety of our visitors is very important to us.
Please take care when setting up, moving, or dismantling artwork and equipment, particularly when handling heavy items such as easels, tables, sculptures, or display materials. Where possible, larger items should be lifted by more than one person.
During setup, please ensure that your items are positioned safely and securely so they do not obstruct walkways or create trip hazards for visitors or other artists. Please help us maintain a safe environment by keeping walkways clear of bags, cables, boxes, and equipment at all times.
A First Aid Kit is available at the café, information gazebo and the car park. There are trained first aiders amongst staff should assistance be required.
If you are working outdoors you should take suitable precautions during hot or sunny weather. Please ensure you have appropriate sun protection, hats, and drinking water available to avoid dehydration or sunburn. Shaded areas are available around the grounds.
Care should be taken on stairs, uneven surfaces, and outdoor pathways, especially when moving between areas. Running is not permitted within the buildings or grounds. If children are attending workshops or accompanying visitors, they must remain under the supervision of parents, teachers, or accompanying adults at all times. Children should be encouraged to behave sensibly, particularly near stairs, steps, tools, and outdoor activity areas.
Artists using paints, solvents, glazes, or other art materials are responsible for using them safely and following appropriate health and safety guidance. Wherever possible, less harmful materials should be used in place of more toxic substances. Hazardous substances should be clearly labelled and accompanied by relevant safety information. Protective equipment such as gloves or masks should be used if required.
Acceptance of Responsibility
While we make every effort to provide a safe and wonderful environment, all participating artists do so at their own risk. Hopton Hall accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, theft, or damage that may occur to artwork, personal belongings, or equipment during the event.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable Month of Art for everyone attending Hopton Hall. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Promoting your participation on socials
If you would like to promote your participation in the Month of Art, please use one of the following graphics:
Here’s some suggested accompanying wording but feel free to change to your own style/ confirm which days you’re intending to be there/ when you have booked your gazebo (if relevant):
I’m excited to share I’ll be one of the artists taking inspiration from the Hopton Hall gardens during July’s Month of Art which means:
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I’ll be submitting my finished work into the Month of Art competition for the chance to win £1,000.
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My entry will be on display in the Hall from 24th - 26th July.
The winner is decided by public vote and announced at the Hall at 3pm on the 26th. If you’d like to come along, you can book your ticket via the Hopton Hall website 🎟️.
Tickets: £7.50 (incl.parking) offer access to the Walled Garden and other public areas of the Estate (including the café) where you can watch any artists at work and see who’s displaying and selling their artwork in the artist gazebos!
#hoptonhall #MonthofArt #derbyshireartist