Artists open their doors to Suffolk visitors

Over 140 of Suffolk’s finest artists will open their studios to visitors for free during the four weekends of June between 11am and 5pm when they will be able to appreciate the artwork on show, ask questions about its original concept and gain an insight into the creative process. Viewers will meet the artist in his or her world of creation and learn about their inspiration and the method of working.

The artists’ skills cover a very wide range of art forms including textiles, ceramics, sculpture, glass work, jewellery and photography as well as painting in watercolor, oil and acrylics. Some have rejoined every year since its inception in 1991, others have returned after a break, and every year will bring its first-time contingent. This link through the years gives the movement strength and stability, yet innovation and vitality. The artists are widespread throughout the county and many of the studios are in the most delightful settings.

The philosophy of Suffolk Open Studios is simple, to make the visual arts accessible to people and to show the manner and the setting in which it was created. It seeks to encourage contact between the visual artist and the public.

A colour directory with dates and venues for all Suffolk Open Studios events plus an illustration and mission statement from every member has been produced to help visitors plan which studios to visit. Copies are available (from April) from Tourist Information Centres throughout Suffolk online at Suffolkopenstudios.co.uk.

Following on from the June weekends, an autumn exhibition over the weekend of Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November at Orwell Park, Nacton, Ipswich will feature new work from the artists that has not been seen in public before.

For visitors to Suffolk wishing to stay overnight, accommodation suggestions and information about other things to see and do can be found on Choosesuffolk.com.