THERE are just days to go for Devon artists to register for the biggest open studios event available to the county, Devon Art Works 2007 — the closing date for registration is midnight on April 23. The event, which runs from September 8 to 23, brings artists across Devon together with buyers from the county and beyond. As a flagship project of Devon Artist Network (DAN), supported by Devon County Council, it is anticipated that even more artists will participate this year. Devon artists will be able to get their work seen, sold and remembered. Participation in this open studios event gives the artists the ability to experiment with new ideas in a space they can control before approaching galleries. And it gives buyers the opportunity to meet artists and craftspeople in their own studios and workshops enabling them to see new work and discuss it face to face. By investing in a space in Devon Art Works 2007 and presenting something new to future buyers and commissioners it removes the risk for both the artists and buyers. Many participants have secured commissions as a result of taking part in open studios events in previous years, thus highlighting the effectiveness of open studios as a long term career investment. Participating artists also benefit from: l Centrally organised and focussed networking around linked themes in the months leading up to the event. lOpportunities to extend their networks beyond their immediate locality to visitors from towns, villages and cities they would not normally have contact with — combating isolation, sparking new ideas and new collaborations. lTailor-made free or subsidised training to help them make the most of the Devon Art Works 2007 opportunity. Training opportunities for participating artists are already underway. A session with South West Arts Marketing took artists through practical marketing exercises to enhance their participation profile. One North Devon artist said: 'I enjoyed the course and feel it has really helped me, both personally and in my role as artists' area representative.' Simon de Groot,West Devon representative for Devon Art Works, said: 'I think we will probably have between 30 to 40 artists opening up their studios in the West Devon area, so we've been pleased with the response. 'We had an initial meeting where 15 signed up but there will be lots more who just sign up on the website. 'Basically we've got a pretty wide selection, we've got 2D and 3D artists, potters, painters, photographers, ceramics etc. 'Generally, the spread is pretty good.' Simon said the catalogue for this year's event was going to be 'brilliant' and hoped the open studios would provide residents with a great opportunity to view commercial and less commercial artworks. To register for Devon Art Works 2007 go to http://www.devonartworks.info">www.devonartworks.info Or for further information contact project coordinator, Claire Gulliver at [email protected]">[email protected] (01271 853 297 Mon, Tues, Wed) or Kath Wynne, project administrator at [email protected]">[email protected]
