A free-to-attend showcase exhibition of a selection of the 120+ Isle of Wight Open Studios 2024 artists participating in this year’s event opened with a spectacular launch on Friday (12th July) in the Café and Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts. This exhibition of artists work highlights the vibrant creativity of the Island’s art and craft community and provides a great opportunity for visitors to start to see what will be showcased during the Island-wide event which will take place from Friday, 23rd August to Sunday, 8th September 2024. The arts team at Quay Arts carefully curated and installed the exhibition to help raise public awareness of IW Open Studios, which is set to be the year’s most exciting and widespread celebration of art on the Island. Visitors will not just have an opportunity to glimpse some of the artist’s work ahead of the event but will also be able to buy the pieces on display. Arts Manager, Ian Whitmore, has said:
“Quay Arts is proud to champion the creative community on the Island and we are excited to host this Showcase Exhibition in collaboration with Isle of Wight Open Studios.” “We have the perfect location to support the launch event and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to explore richly diverse works from over 50 Island artists displayed across the arts centre.”
The new IW Open Studios Community Interest Company team of volunteers, who are working together to create a coordinated event celebrating Island artists, were also in attendance at the launch, along with many of the artists exhibiting their work. South Wight Rep, Jo Kori, an Island-born artist based in Ventnor, whose art practice is primarily drawing, sculpture and mixed media installations, has a piece in the exhibition and remarked,
“There is a real collaborative energy and enthusiasm of all the participating artists in IW Open Studios this year and I am delighted to be actively involved in the Showcase Exhibition which brings together many Isle of Wight artists’ work in one place for visitors to enjoy.”
The exhibition at Quay Arts in Newport will be open daily 09:00-17:00 until Sunday 4th August. For more information about the IW Open Studios event visit www.isleofwightopenstudios.co.uk.
