Amateur and professional artists hoping to compete for cash prizes are urged to sign up to this weekend's WSP Art In City competitions before time runs out.

WSP Art in the City celebrates creativity inspired by Gloucester's history and heritage, its picturesque surroundings and its people. Easels and palettes will be dotted around Gloucester Cathedral and the historic Docks as promising Pablo Picassos and fledgling Frida Kahlos will be competing in the Plein Air outdoor painting competition on Saturday 14th July.

In the Open Art competition, artists will be displaying past work inside the Cathedral's ornate cloisters for the judges' consideration.

Both categories offer a first prize of £1,000, £500 for runners up and £250 for the student prize.

There is also a family competition where a whole clan can collaborate on a piece of art!

The judging panel includes art historian and BBC broadcaster, Dr Janina Ramirez; WSP Art In the City artistic director, Russell Haines; and Stroud-based abstract artist, Ed Swarez.

There are citywide artists' exhibitions including one from former England cricketer, Jack Russell MBE (celebrating his 30th anniversary as a professional artist), in St Michael's Tower; a group exhibition in Debenhams, and many more in Gloucester's shopping centres, churches and public buildings. Visit www.artinthecity.org.uk/exhibitions  for the full list of artists and locations.

To keep the children happy, there are free art workshops taking place Saturday and Sunday at 38 Westgate Street (on the corner of College Court) where you can learn a whole range of artistic crafts. All workshops are free and do not require any booking - just turn up! An Artisan Street Market will pitch up in the Gate Streets and feature arts, crafts, food and drink on both days.

Artistic director of the festival, Russell Haines, said: "This year's WSP Art in the City will see Gloucester turned into one huge art space with exhibitions, competitions and workshops for everyone. I hope many people will come out in the beautiful weather (perfect light for painting!) and take part in the competitions and workshops, perhaps producing a masterpiece of this magnificent city."

WSP Art in the City is sponsored by WSP Solicitors and organised by Marketing Gloucester as part of SoMAC - Gloucester's Summer of Music, Arts and Culture.

Contestants can register at www.artinthecity.org.uk/competition 

Photo credit: Marketing Gloucester