A WIRRAL-born artist who died in a hot-air balloon accident in Egypt earlier this year, is to be commemorated with an award in his honour.
Liverpool Art Prize organisers say the 2013 Liverpool Art Prize People's Choice Award will be presented in fond memory of Joe Bampton. The award, whose winner is announced on May 29, is presented alongside the main award for Liverpool Art Prize 2013.
London-based Bampton was an accomplished artist whose mother, Maureen, runs the Bluecoat Display Centre. He is said to have regularly returned to Liverpool to catch up with friends.
Bampton attended the Slade School of Fine Art and had exhibited in London, Paris and Berlin. He died, along with his partner Zsi, in February's disaster at Luxor.
Hos mother has donated £1,000 to the development of Liverpool Art Prize in Joe’s memory as he was keen to support the progress of Liverpool artists.
The former St Mary’s College, Wallasey, pupil was a well-known face on the city's art scene, having taken part in the Liverpool Biennial and Visionfest.
The Liverpool Art Prize is a competition of contemporary art inspired by the Turner Prize coming to Liverpool during European Capital of Culture year, 2008. It is open to all professional artists based or born in Merseyside. This year, the exhibition is being held at The Grand Hall, Albert Dock, L3 4AA and is open Tues-Sat 11-5pm.
