This year’s Open Studios event, which commenced on Friday (13th July), will enable you to see an interesting and extensive range of work from artists both contemporary and traditional, in their own studios or at local venues across the Isle of Wight.
Entry for the public to every Open Studio event, including venues and studios, is free and artists will offer you a warm welcome to view their range of work including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, jewellery and ceramics.
Visiting an artist’s studio in either their home or outside studio is a different way to discover new work. However, for those, perhaps short of time, a visit to one of the many collective venues is ideal.
These are situated across the Island and include Jubilee Stores and Quay Arts in Newport; Gurnard Village Hall; Yarmouth Community Hall and People’s Gallery in Ryde.
Check out the ‘Open Studios’ handbook (https://www.isleofwightarts.com/uploads/open_studios_yearbook_2018_web.pdf) for dates and opening times, as although the event runs until the 23rd July, venues vary. By picking up the handbook there is the chance to win £100 or £50 of artwork from an artist of your choice.
As a precursor to visits in artists’ homes perhaps a visit to Quay Arts is a good idea as many of the artists from across the Island who are opening their studios this year have work on display in an exhibition entitled ‘Showcase’. This runs until 23rd July also.
Wherever the hunt for new artworks takes you look out for the red Open Studios bunting, this will guide you to the artists’ doors!
Report and photos by Alan and Suzanne Whitewood
