Big Art Show

02/09/2026

Here's this year's prize-winners pictured with artists Rowena Comrie, Co-Chair and Sharon Thomas, Trustee, The Art Department, Paisley Ltd

The Art Department Paisley Top Prize - £500 won by Elaine Wilson
Iona Kewney Drawing Prize £200 – won by Russell McEwan (not pictured)
The Hazlitt Apartments Prize - £200 – won by Hazel Blue
Made in Paisley Prize £200 – won by Karen Bones
Cass Art Prize - £200 - won by Morgan Black
OneRen/Paisley Museum Prize for Storytelling – £200 – won by Yuchen Ge
Caroline Chittick Pretty in Pink Prize - £150 – won by Heather Stanley
Mill Magazine Prize - £100 – won by Peter McCormack
Paisley First Prize - £100 – won by Stephen Murray
The Ramsden Framing Co. Prize – £100 – won by Sarah Morton
Society of Scottish Artists Prize – membership prize – won by Ellie Muir
The Brain-Lag Publishing Prize – £100 – won by Vertigo Artography
David McKelvie-Rae Prize - £100 - won by Brian Craig

Thanks to all of the artists participating in this year's show!

02/09/2026

Here's Big Art Show Creative Director, Steven Thomson, with a RAFFLE REMINDER!

"As part of the national care conversation – about how we look after disabled, vulnerable and older people – this is the work of two charities promoting a good cause to raise funds for disabled artists in the community. As a long-standing promoter of the wider sector equality duty, we have championed those with protected characteristics for over 30 years."

"We are especially grateful to Sam Ainsley RSA; Lil Brookes; and the Renfrewshire Disability Arts Forum for highlighting such an important fundraising campaign. Thank you in advance for your support and good luck!"

The raffle prizes are:
* A framed limited-edition print called: “Self Portrait with Red Cape”
* An acrylic painting on a circular canvas called: “We Are All Cells”
*Three “bed” drawings created by Sam during her period of recovery following her traffic accident called: “Old & New Cities”; “Two Cities – Two Different Ways of Living – Romanticism V Classicism” and “Tattooed Goddess”

Raffle runs till 14th November - tickets cost £5

Buy direct from RDAF's website: https://www.rdaf.net/
Use the QR Code below
Or buy when you are visiting the show

02/09/2026

A bumper opening weekend for Big Art Show 2026
The Art Department, Paisley over 1,000 visitors and £10.3k sales. Artists your sold list is here

(opposite Paisley Centre)Key DatesSubmissions Open: 1st March 2026Submissions Close: 31st May 2026Hand-in: 20 July - 1 Aug 2026Exhibition Opens: Sat 29 August 2026Exhibition Closes: 14 November 2026Hand-back: 16-28 November 2026Sales InfoCommissions 30%+VAT ( VAT is on commission element only).  S...

31/08/2026

Lovely review of the show by Julia Braun Raven in today's Herald. 👏👏👏

30/08/2026

Thanks Lil! Great to see you and have your work in the show 🙏

Just back from the wonderful opening event for the Big Art Show in Paisley. Here I am with my painting in the exhibition...it was a smashin' night and so many fantastic artworks...very inspirational and well done the Board and creative team at the The Art Department, Paisley Ltd ...!

30/08/2026

Great to see you David! Congratulations 👏

29/08/2026

Opening today at 12noon, Big Art Show 2026, The Art Department, Paisley Ltd 9-11 Causeyside St. Over 1,000 artworks+shop. Nearly 500 artists represented from all over UK and overseas. One of the UK's largest open and inclusive art exhibitions. Runs 9.30am-4pm till Sat 14 Nov. (closed Sundays)

28/08/2026

Some lovely media coverage in our favourite magazines ahead of the show opening. Thanks to Mill Renfrewshire and Artmag UK - cover image by Ellie Muir, one of this year's featured artists.

Thank you 🙏