Skip to main content

Tantalising 2026


I'm pleased to announce that our Tantalising open art competition is back again this year.

Tantalising 2026 again has an open theme, so that you can choose the subject yourself - whatever inspires you! 


The competition winner will be voted for by visitors to the exhibition in The Alchemy Gallery at Craft Arena. 


There is a nominal entry fee of £10, with the total amount raised from the exhibitors being split between the winning artist, a prize for one of the visitors who voted at the exhibition, with the rest going to St. Luke's Hospice, Basildon & Thurrock.

This year the exhibition runs from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 31st May 2025 and I'm looking forward to seeing all your work. If you know anyone who may be interested in entering, please pass this information on as I'd like to raise as much as possible for St. Luke's Hospice this year.

Submissions can be in any media - textile art, printing, painting, printing, sculpture. There are a few restrictions, and these are listed in the terms and conditions.

This year you will be able to enter online, and you can find the entry form which includes the terms and conditions here.

The winner of Tantalising 2025 was Ann Choat with her crewelwork and goldwork piece Spring Garland which is based  on a Brenda Saltwell design. Congratulations to Ann who receives a voucher to spend at Craft Arena. The winner of our voter draw was Alicia Huxtabie who also wins a Craft Arena voucher. We have also donated £80 to St. Luke's Hospice.


Below you can see the joint winners of the 2024 competition, both by Chris Spencer.