Open studios showcase visual arts in Somerset

Over 200 artist studios will be opening their doors to visitors throughout Somerset as part of the county wide Somerset Art Weeks 2008 event between Saturday 13 and Sunday 28 September. Celebrating the visual arts, the weeks present a rare opportunity for everyone to share the inspiration of art with over 270 individual artists and makers in their own studios and workplaces, and to see how they make their work and the creative processes this involves.

The event showcases a diverse range of practices from ceramics, watercolour, textiles and jewellery to glass, wood and metal work as well as mixed media. An exceptional variety of work will be on show by both established artists of national and regional repute, including Rachael Waldock, Chris Dunseath, Liz Clay and Lucy Willis, and emerging talented artists and makers such as Jon England, Jenny Dunseath, Frances Keenan and Vincent Large. Most of the works shown in the Open Studios will be available for purchase; visitors can also commission their own pieces.

There will be a preview launch on Friday, 12 September (4 - 7pm) open to the public at Monks Yard, near Ilminster as well as a series of pre-booked mystery art tours and workshops. During the first week a ‘Digital Double Decker Bus’ will tour South Somerset presenting an online showcase and short film about artists in Somerset, while Bridgwater and Taunton will host ‘Reveal Somerset Roadshows’ on 9 and 18 September when the audience can join in discussions with guest speakers about the county’s visual arts.

Somerset Art Weeks is also developing a family and child friendly policy for this year’s Open Studios, which means that some studios will be ideal for visits from families with young children.

A colour guide to the Art Weeks with maps showing the location of all open studios, plus artist listings and images of works on display, is available at local libraries and Tourist Information Centres or by writing to SAW Ltd, Great Bow Wharf, Bow Street, Langport, Somerset TA10 9PN enclosing an A4 size stamped addressed envelope with 70p postage.

For further information visit Somersetartweek.org.uk. Most studios welcome visitors from 11am to 6pm but opening days vary; it is advisable to check the guide for details before travelling.