Dr Liz Murray BCA(h) - Judge 2025 (WINNER 2024 )
@drlizmurray
Dr Liz Murray BCA(h) is a multi-award winning doctor and artist who is known for using art as a means for putting a spotlight on health inequalities. Liz is previous winner of the Art As A Response to Mental Health exhibition and a finalist of the Visual Art Open as well as an associate member of the Medical Artists Association. Liz is a medical doctor by profession with over 10 years clinical experience but is now the founder of the UK charity Mortal And Strong and director of the campaign Scars Of Gold which used art to raise awareness of Women’s Health Inequalities. Liz is an ambassador for multiple health organisations including Patient Information Forum, Women’s Health Impact Network and a delegate of UN Women UK. Liz is very passionate about using art for change and being a tool to capture thought and invite change for health topics; recognising the power of art to convey important themes and messages in relation to health topics.
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CHINWE RUSSELL - CURATOR
@chinwerussellart
Chinwe Russell is the founder and curator of Doncaster art fair amongst other artistic projects.
Renowned Visionary artist and industry leader Chinwe Russell captivates audiences with her distinctive, emotionally evocative, big, bold narrative art that transcends borders and serves as a universal language. As an artist, curator, and entrepreneur, Chinwe's artistic journey is marked by accolades and exhibitions, showcasing her commitment to exploring historical and social narratives through impactful art. Her exceptional curatorial talents extend beyond borders, providing platforms for artists globally. With a rich history of managing exhibitions and receiving recognition for her bold narrative style, Chinwe Russell leaves an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene.
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Laura Lee - Judge 2025
@lauralee.ceramics
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Laura Lee is a ceramicist from Bawtry Doncaster she works from her studio in Hall Farm
Gardens, Lincolnshire. Nature found in local woodlands and forests inspires both design and
decoration of her wheel thrown ceramics and are the main influence with her artwork.
Her collections are intrinsically linked to environmental issues caused through damage to the
natural world through climate change. She aims through her artwork to open dialogue raise
awareness and make positive change for the future.
A recent graduate of 2024 with a First-Class (Ba) Hons Fine Art & Crafts having specialising
in ceramics. Since graduating Laura is now represented by multiple galleries and museums
across the UK and has recently been selected as a finalist in the upcoming Scott Creative
Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award for 2025.
A member of Crafts Council Directory, Design Nation and Society of Designer Craftsmen
(MSDC). She is currently on a mentorship programme delivered by the award-winning
artist/ceramicist Rebecca Appleby.
It’s a great honour to be asked to judge such an important exhibition. I am relatively new into
the art industry, and I too have spent many hours of dedication in creating artwork to then
nervously experience submitting it into an arena to be judged by others. This takes great
courage and confidence. This exhibition is a celebration of the courage of all the artists
taking part.
Mental health effects everyone, every person at some point in their life will sadly suffer
distressing times. I found art during covid, I had never picked up a pencil until that time in my
life. I like everyone struggled to come to terms with such a horrific situation we were all faced
with. I would gift my artwork anonymously and leave packages outside homes of neighbour’s
friends and strangers . This was my random act of kindness in a time of extreme stress.
It’s quite poignant that what I found to help me through this period is now what I do as a
profession. I never take this for granted and every day I acknowledge how lucky I am to
create every day. I also work part-time for a National Lottery Funded project supporting a
community in a severely deprived area. This community have sadly experienced horrific
situations in their lives resulting in stress and pressures that cause mental health problems. I
have been delivering art-based workshops to members of this community and the rewards
have been phenomenal. But its not the art that brings on the happiness although that does
play a significant part it’s the sharing of stories with others. Being with people who support
and care. Art is empowering for us its our voice when we can’t speak. When we only see
black and white it’s our colour.
Art won’t solve everything. But in a world where mental health often goes unseen, it can
make the invisible visible. And sometimes, being seen is the first step toward healing.
Andy Hollinghurst - JUDGE 2025
@andyhollinghurst
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Andy Hollinghurst—an artist whose work and journey have become deeply intertwined with the heart of Doncaster’s art scene.
Andy has always painted, but it was following a major breakdown 20 years ago that painting truly became his sanctuary. Forced to retire on health grounds, Andy turned to art as a means of recovery, finding peace and purpose through creativity. Over the past two decades, he has not only built a remarkable portfolio but has also become a powerful advocate for mental health, working with national organisations such as Mind, Time to Change, and Mental Health First Aid England.
Despite the deeply personal nature of his art, for many years Andy’s pieces remained unseen—tucked away in his shed and attic. That changed when his work was featured in Mind’s national calendar and later reproduced for celebrity fundraisers. Yet it was through an art fair I organised that Andy began to share his work more widely. He was invited to join a group of artists in occupying space at Doncaster’s Corn Exchange. Although initially hesitant, he embraced the opportunity and began painting on-site.
The results were transformative. Amidst a declining marketplace, Andy and his fellow artists brought life and colour to the space. People engaged with his art, asked questions, and simply expressed their gratitude for the joy his work brought to their daily lives. When the Corn Exchange closed, Andy continued at the Fish Market, becoming a staple of the city’s creative community. His paintings of local architecture, along with accessible prints and cards, made his work available to a broad audience and cemented his place as one of Doncaster’s most beloved artists.
Today, Andy continues to paint from home, producing a rich body of work that reflects both artistic growth and emotional resilience. He has participated in the Art as a Response to Mental Health exhibition not only as an exhibiting artist but also as a valued judge. His quiet dedication, talent, and authenticity have made an enduring impact on the local art scene and on everyone who encounters his work.
It is an honour to present Andy Hollinghurst, a testament to the power of art to heal, to connect, and to inspire.
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IKE C IBE JUDGE 2025
@ikecibe
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Ike C. Ibe is a distinguished international lawyer, humanitarian, and passionate advocate for community development. Since 1988, he has practiced law in both Nigeria and the United States, and currently pursues a doctorate in Environmental Law and Policy. A former legislator and briefly Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly at just 27, Ike has held various public roles, including Imo State Trade Representative in the U.S. (2000–2006).
A tireless community advocate, Ike has empowered local women through microfinance, helped fund university education for countless young people, and supported life-saving medical treatments for the critically ill. He also led numerous U.S.-based medical missions to Nigeria, offering free treatment to thousands. As a mental health champion, he has toured across Nigeria promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
Deeply committed to the arts, Ike actively supports emerging artists and encourages creativity among young people. As a four-time gubernatorial candidate, he is known for his strong stance on transparency and anti-corruption in politics.
Ike is the author of five books, including In Search of Life, and has received over 70 awards for his work in law, philanthropy, and public service. He is also a grief and trauma counselor, life coach, and accomplished public speaker. Ike is married with two daughters.
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JILL TEMPORAL - JUDGE 2025
I feel very honoured to be invited to judge once again for such an inspiring exhibition especially as it now gathered such momentum since it’s beginnings several years ago. When people submit their artwork for consideration it takes personal courage to open it up for critique and the possibility of rejection. So I admire each artist who has entered the exhibition and allowed us all to view their visions especially considering the vulnerability of the theme. I greatly look forward to admiring the successful artworks.
I myself am a professional visual artist from Doncaster, with my Studio in the rural setting of Tickhill. I create vibrant paintings inspired by the natural world. My roots and academics are in painting but I have also dedicated much of my career to professional photography. My passion is for colour and the beautiful fragile connections found within nature, my current body of work highlights the endangerment of wildlife species and landscapes we risk loosing to a changing world. Being within nature most definitely helps my own mindfulness.
I also have experience of being an artist facilitator with the charity MIND to encourage creativity as a wellbeing tool for people struggling with mental health issues.
I am also a wife, mother of two children plus owner of an incredibly cute cockapoo Dog. I’m also a keen 10K Runner