Surrey Artists Open Studios 5 – 20 June 2010

Where does a career start for an artist trying to establish themselves in the local art world? The answer is open studios and for many artists in Surrey, the annual open studio event has been the basis for enriching their art practice.  Surrey has been developing their open studio event for ten years, and for Surrey County Council this event has become their flagship project by supporting artists at grass root level through equality, diversity and best practice.

'Surrey Artists Open Studios is an insight to the world of the artist'

Alison Clarke, Visual Arts Officer, Surrey Arts

This event has engaged so many artists and audiences, inspiring more to join each year, and we are complimented by many of our visitors saying this event is a part of their annual calendar!

This initiative started with 91 artists in 2000, Surrey open studios is relatively young in comparison to open studio events across the rest of the country, with Artists At Home (West London event) being established for over 40 years, however 10 years later we have tripled our audience and quadrupled our numbers of artists.

There are seven artists that have participated every year since its start in 2000, in conversations we have invited them to tell us why they value this event so much:

 

Caroline Jackman: Why do you take part in this event?
Alison Ellen (Hand knitter from Dockenfield): For the community feeling of sharing my studio and home with other artists; for the enjoyment of showing people how I work and what I produce for selling.

 

CJ: What is your favourite memory from Surrey Artists Open Studios over the years?

Carol Orwin (sculptor from Guildford): Putting out the balloons, putting up the sign and opening the front door on day one always is a thrill. The work is in place, the studio is tidy and the garden looks great!

 

CJ: What do you get out of the event?
Sue Relph (painter from Thorpe): Visitors every year comment on the variety of work (both hung in the house and available for browsing in the conservatory studio) and the surrounding garden makes a tranquil outlook for teatime refreshments and portrait models.

 

CJ: would you recommend the event to other artists?

Diana Croft (printmaker from Dorking): As co-ordinator for Mole Valley (a purely voluntary position) I get to meet the new artists taking part and its amazing to  discover the wealth of creative talent in the area. I would recommend it to any artists who might be thinking of joining, it’s a great opportunity to meet like minded people and showcase your work to the public.

 

CJ: Name an experience from participating in this event?

Terri Smart (ceramicist from West Clandon): I am proud to being approached to run workshops at a school for children with special needs.

 

CJ: Why do you participate in this event every year?

Kobie Dams (painter mixed/media artist from Seale): I love taking part in Open Studios because I can show a lot of my work in one go.  It is great talking to other artists as well as having exposure to a wider audience through the Open Studios brochure.

 

Ends

 

Open studios is not just another gallery, it is an adventure into the creative world of visual arts. There is a wealth of all art forms in Surrey, and Open Studios is just one way we can celebrate this.

For full details of this event call Sandie Sharp on 01483 519 285 for a colour brochure (printed May 2010).

 

For more information and images please contact Caroline Jackman, Surrey Artists Open Studios Coordinator, Surrey Arts on 01483 519281 or email caroline.jackman@surreycc.gov.uk.