Exhibitions

We run a changing program of exhibitions throughout the year. We try to showcase a wide variety of work from conceptual to craft and design work, and we work with artists from all over the world. We exhibit works on all kinds of themes, but we are particularly interested in work that responds specifically to the location and its history and to the ideas of Clough and Amabel Williams-Ellis and their children about art, design, architecture, society, politics, planning, science, literature or any other matter they explored in their long and varied careers.

The 'Agored' and 'Agored Ifanc' exhibitions welcome applications from anyone, whether an experienced artist or a first-timer. We will set a theme for these shows which will vary from one year to the next, but based on pieces from the archive, which will be displayed opposite the contemporary works. Within the Open programme, we offer an emerging artist award and a people's award.

For more information about the awards, and how to submit work for the open exhibitions, follow the link to the 'applications' page, below.

Opportunities / Applications

Themesread more

We have decided to set a theme each year, going forwards. Items from the Susan Williams-Ellis archive will be curated according to the theme for the year, and this will also be the theme for the open and young open exhibitions. We invite artists who wish to have solo or group shows to consider responding to the theme, if they feel inspired to do so, although this is not a requirement. Events will also be curated to respond to the theme, where appropriate. The themes are deliberately broad and may be interpreted in any way that the artist feels is appropriate. The themes for the next five years are outlined below:

2025: Space
2026: Animal / Vegetable / Mineral
2027: Disturbance
2028: The Sea

Upcoming Exhibitions

Animal, Vegetable, Mineral

Open 2026
Animal, Vegetable, Mineral

7 March - 10 May 2026

The theme for this year’s Open Exhibition is ‘Animal, Vegetable, Mineral’ which will coincide with the display of Susan Williams Ellis’s work in the drawing room. You are free to interpret the theme in whatever way you like

Kim Atkinson and Noëlle Griffiths

Moss Garden
Kim Atkinson and Noëlle Griffiths

16 May - 5 July 2026
An exhibition of three collaborative folios :

Moss Garden with microscope paintings of selected mosses and liverworts found in Ceunant Llennyrch near Maentwrog.

Hafod Woodland near Maentwrog records changes to woodland as it is thinned and animals introduced.

Isla Navarino Sea, Forest, Water and the Plants and Birds made during our residency at the Cape Horn International Centre, Chile.

Moss Garden/ Gardd Mwsog has been shown in several galleries in North Wales and each occasion we have made drawings and paintings, in mossy wooded locations nearby. From these we have made collaborative painted and printed panels.

For Oriel Brondanw we chose the slopes below Cae Glas, Cwm Croesor, open woodland and ffridd, where we painted in each season.

Sian Elen Back to my Roots

Sian Elen
Back to my Roots

11 July – 23 July 2026
This collection of work began some time ago with my fascination with roots, following life experiences that opened up this gateway. The work has taken a long time to filter through, I can only imagine I needed time to digest such an epic subject, and process how it was going to manifest within my practice. Hence the title ‘back to my roots.’ The scientific knowledge and acceptance of the world underground is thriving where communication and nutrient sharing is only a small part of the story. My ideas began at the roots! From there I have gone on a journey which is playful, informative and thought provoking in both 3D and installation.