Bill Warren: Mexican Frames. Image courtesy: Leicester City Gallery/The Artist

What have a fish, a bullet and a robot got in common?

They are all part of the mixed-media showcase of nearly 200 artists on display at Leicester’s City Gallery until January 7 2005.

The Open 17 exhibition features no less than 382 artworks by 197 artists from across the East Midlands.

And besides aquatic animals and ammunition, more traditional media such as photography, ceramics, painting, glasswork and textiles are also represented.

Mark Prest, gallery manager, said: “I was thrilled that the exhibition so accurately represents the quality of the region’s arts and crafts.”

Neil Reece: Amalfi Square. Image courtesy: Leicester City Gallery/The Artist

Works for the show were selected by three panellists: Lulu Hancock, artist and lecturer at De Montfort University; Michelle Bowen, Crafts Officer for Arts Council England East Midlands; and Leslie Goodwin of the Leicester Mercury. All three selectors praised the quality of work that was submitted.

Kathy Fawcett, the exhibitions officer and curator of Open 17, was also impressed by the high standards of craftsmanship.

Nick Mobbs: Cleudo for Artists. Image courtesy: Leicester City Gallery/The Artist

“The work surpassed my expectations,” she said.

The annual exhibition has gained a reputation for being a hotbed of upcoming talent. Sally Rose Dibben, Elizabeth Rowe and James Robotham are among the first time exhibitors at Open 17, while artists from previous years have re-emerged with some exciting new work.

Ruth Murray: Alice in the Garden. Image courtesy: Leicester City Gallery/The Artist

Visitors to past Open events might remember Ken Coulbeck, Nora Dalzell, Barabra Agg or perhaps Mark Boot.

Exhibitors range from internationally known artists to local craftsmen and, furthermore, you can take a little piece of the show home with you because all the exhibits are available to buy.