Local artists are busy preparing to open their studio doors to welcome visitors over the first four weekends in July. This year, there are 69 artists participating in 48 studios from Bromham 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 Waitrose, The White Horse Bookshop 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 create a simple cyanotype of your own, have a go at making a simple flower from wire, or participate in a pastel taster session. Several studios are opening on selected week days.
Paul Oakley, Chairman of Open Studios, said, “You are invited to come and visit any number of the 48 open studios free of charge with no obligation to purchase. The Open Studios Arts Trail gives you the opportunity to discover workshops, studios and galleries where you can meet with artist and see them in their creative environment. 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.”
Artist, Kate Wade, is exhibiting for the first time at the Overton Framing Studio, Elmtree Industrial Park, Manton (on the A4 opposite the Clatford turning). Kate, who used to exhibit at Wagon Yard, Marlborough, will have a lot of her watercolour paintings on display from large scale to miniature, most of them of local scenes. Kate continues to be inspired by the seasons, the weather and the infinite range of colours and forms to be found in the natural world. She also produces greetings cards. Her studio is open the middle two weekends but she invites you to call 07769923497 if you are unable to visit at these times.
At Wagon Yard studio off London Road, Marlborough, Nigel Hudson Jacqui Melhuish, Jane Renwick, Mary Thorne, Rose Shorrock and Jeremy Wyatt are exhibiting. There will be lots of gift ideas on offer ranging from jewellery, pottery to paintings, home ware and decorations – all influenced by the local landscape.
Coppersmith, Roy Evans, will also have a few of his pieces at Wagon Yard in addition to his studio in Potterne where he will be exhibiting 30-40 sculptures in his garden, including fountains. Roy told Marlborough.news, “Come and visit, make a day of it, follow us on Instagram for ideas of routes you can take as well as reading the artists’ profiles.”
To find out more about all 69 artists pick up a brochure, visit the website, click here or follow Open Studios on Facebook or Instagram
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