Wagon Yard artists prepare for Marlborough Open Studios 2019

Wagon Yard artists Jacqui Melhuish, Jane Renwick and Mary Thorne are being joined by Michelle Smith for this year’s Open Studios which starts next weekend (July 6 & 7) – and continues each weekend in July.

Jacqui Melhuish, who creates a wide variety of ceramic work, told Marlborough.news: “We all create work for Open Studios. Things appear that haven’t been seen before. It’s a showcase of our most up to date recent work. And all the work is for sale ranging from £15 upwards.”

Jacqui’s trademark splash plates will be there, this time in black, and she has created some new strata vessels: “I went to the Grand Canyon ten years ago and I’m still inspired by it.”
   

 

Kate Wade has some new water colours on display and for sale. There are coastal scenes and locally inspired woodland scenes as well as a striking view of Avebury without the stones.

Jane Renwick has created some new designs for her porcelain lamps with archaeological looking fish. They have skeletal bits yet appear to be swimming at the same time.

Mary Thorne, whose ceramics include local scenes, has added ceramic jewellery to her collection. Guest artist, Michelle Smith, will be joining Open Studios this year with her textiles: wall pieces, cushions and lamp shades.

The Wagon Yard artists are also hosting two special events. On July 21 visitors can experiment with lino cutting under Jan Renwick’s expert eye, and on July 27 there will be a throwing demonstration by Mary Thorne. Visitors can also participate in a prize draw with the chance to win £50 to spend in the gallery.

Wagon Yard is just off London Road, Marlborough, next door to Bridge Garage.  As well as during Open Studios, the gallery is open every Saturday throughout the year from 10 am to 4 pm. One of the artists is always there.

The artists are looking forward to Open Studios and Jacqui encourages visitors: “Why not work out a trail for Open Studios that starts at Wagon Yard?”

This year’s Open Studios includes sixty exhibiting artists and twenty associate artists. Paul Oakley is chairman of Open Studios: “As you explore the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex Downs you are warmly invited to come and visit any number of the forty 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 hidden corners of Wiltshire.”

Open Studios is, this year, sponsoring Arts Together, a local charity that provides art projects which support the well-being of people in Wiltshire.

For more information about Open Studios visit -  https://www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk or pick up a brochure at The White Horse Bookshop and other venues in Marlborough.