Last year this successful free event drew thousands of people to the South West.
More than 200 artists and crafts people throughout the region are preparing to participate in this, the sixth annual Open Studios (SW) event.
It is a very inclusive occasion which celebrates the South West arts community, promising again to be a visual feast of works of art. The geographic range covered this year extends from Hugh Town in the Scilly Isles to Honiton, Barnstaple to Mullion. Anyone travelling from one artist?s studio to another will also be able to enjoy the attractive countryside inbetween locations.
Whether you are interested in painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking or simply would like to meet and talk to practising artists, the Open Studio event is an invaluable addition to your art diary.
There are sculptures (granite, wood, bronze and plaster), high quality print photography, monotype prints, art glass and all types of paintings.
There are pastel drawings, charcoal drawings, etchings, paintings on glass, digital artwork, handmade musical instruments, ceramics, handmade furniture, a Gothic Throne, a variety of textiles, active workshops, jewellery, hand painted silk and wall hangings. Styles range from pop art to traditional, from representational to abstract.
During the event visitors are invited into artists? work spaces, to converse with them about their art and to purchase artworks directly.
Work spaces range from private studios in the artists? homes to shared spaces designed for working in a specific medium.
Because for practical reasons some artists are unable to host the public, they have grouped together and will be displaying their work in various shared venues. None of the works are judged or juried for entry in to the event, in a sense, the visitor is the judge!
Open Studios is an excellent opportunity for introducing the public to the world of visual expression. This direct interaction with the art community makes the event unique.
Visitors get to see the ?tools of the trade?, to see the kilns, printing presses and looms and experience the environment in which work is made.
Not only are artists given the opportunity to sell directly to the public, but they are also given the chance to speak about themselves and demonstrate to interested parties that which influences their work.
Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to see inside artists? lives, and to understand a little more about them.
For a complete listing of the artists and their studio or showcase locations refer to the Open Studios booklet or visit the website http://www.openstudios-sw.com">www.openstudios-sw.com
As in past years the booklet is produced and distributed free to the public, this includes a colour reproduction of a piece of work by each participating artist, maps indicating the location of the artists? venues, and concise indexing.
The book, which has earned the reputation as the most comprehensive guide to the visual arts in Devon and Cornwall, is available from Tourist Information Centres, Art Galleries, libraries, hotels, train and bus stations and many more public places.
The dates for the Open Studios this year are the Saturdays and Sundays August 23 and 24, 30 and 31 and September 6 and 7, and 13 and 14. The venues will be open from 11pm-5pm on these days.
Any further information about the event is available from the organisers Ashley Hold at 01326 314781 or Pat MacLeod at 01326 373258.