Local artists are busy preparing to open their studio doors to welcome visitors over the first four weekends in July. This year, there are 62 artists participating in 48 studios from near Calne in the West to near Hungerford in the East.
Exhibits range from small curios, jewellery, glass and ceramics to large sculptures, bronzes and epic landscapes. Entrance is free, with no obligation to buy. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of artwork whilst exploring the north Wiltshire countryside.
Brochures, available from many shops in Marlborough High Street and the library, give details of the artists, studio locations and opening times. Many studios offer light refreshments and several are holding special events such as hands on taster sessions, children’s workshops, and even garden walks.
Paul Oakley, Chairman of Open Studios, said, “You are warmly invited to come and visit any number of the 48 open studios free of charge with no obligation to purchase. You will, I hope, enjoy meeting the artists and talking to them about their work, inspiration and techniques as well as seeing some corners of Wiltshire you may not have explored before.”
At Wagon Yard studio on London Road, Marlborough where four artists will be exhibiting, Jacqui Melhuish told Marlborough.news, “Open Studios is a great opportunity to talk to artists about their work, to see them in their home environment and to find out what influences them. Why not devise a little trail and see several artists in one day? At Wagon Yard we will have lots of gift ideas – all influenced by the local landscape.”
Jacqui who uses slab work to create hand built pottery is known for her splash cups and plates and ornamental raku vessels. Her raku vessels are full of horizontal lines which have been inspired from her Nordic walking experiences and seeing where land meets sky or sea meets sky.
Other artists exhibiting at Wagon Yard are Jane Renwick, who works in porcelain, lino and cold cast metals; Mary Thorne, whose ceramics reflect her love of the Wiltshire countryside; and Kate Wade, who will be exhibiting her latest landscape and seascape paintings in a variety of media.
Jeannette Therrien, who works in glass, has also been using the Wagon Yard kiln for her Great Pottery Throw Down inspired garden gnomes modelled on her two nephews (commissions accepted!). Jeannette will be exhibiting, together with textile artist Michelle Smith in an Ogbourne St George studio.
To find out more about all 62 artists pick up a brochure or visit the website, click here.