Introduction

The Open Studios Directory of Artists has been compiled for use in May when artists take part in Open Studios, a project now in it's 22nd year. It is accompanied by this website and both are packed with information that can be used throughout 2010 as a means of widening cultural horizons and perhaps taking the opportunity to find new directions in life. Finding out more about the visual arts at a time when they are flourishing nationally and internationally can be a fulfilling experience. That Open Studios runs alongside the International Newbury Spring Festival, a major music festival is also a cause for optimism and confidence in the arts generally.

What will strike you as you look through the Directory or the website will surely be the wide range of disciplines on offer. From sumptuous textiles and jewellery to ground breaking sculpture there are so many skills to be discovered, such artistic purpose in the varied creative approaches.

Make this essential reading before you travel to talk to artists in their studios. Consider their statements which can reveal the kind of thought and sensitivity that can lie behind a work of art, craft or design. A painter says; "I am interested in the physical process that signifies time passing... the resonance that weakened and used objects have is a major inspiration". A ceramicist writes; "I realise now that even a pot can be conceptual and can be made with a certain character so that there will be more than one way of looking at it". "Landscape is not merely a backdrop but part of us all", says another artist.

To help you to devise your programme of visits, the stunning exhibition INSIGHT 2010 will provide a 'taster'. The flagship exhibition will show representative work by every artist in Open Studios and all works are for sale as indeed they are in the artists' studios. The fine gallery at Greenham is full of historic references. The arts centre was used by the American forces during the 'Cold War' when it was called 'The Creation Center' [sic]. It was derelict until around 11 years ago when it rose out of the ashes to become a notable centre for the arts.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Greenham Common being returned to the people of Newbury. Open Studios will join in the celebrations with two events; an exhibition called Common Connections by two photographers, Paul Forsey and Glenn Clarkson, to be held in the New Greenham Tandoori Restaurant and a combined arts residency Reconnect with willow sculptor Julieanne Worrall Hood and theatre artist Tim Godwin who will work with Park House School and the Willows Primary School, Newbury.

Other exhibitions will include the Long Gallery at Englefield where painter Ronald Kleijer will show works inspired by Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Open Studios are featured at the elegant Elcot Park Hotel and at Sir Terence Conran's Benchmark. At the West Berkshire Community Hospital, in addition to the exhibition, Encouters six artists who specialise in crafts will share their skills with patients in the Diversional Therapy Department.

Free Hands-on Workshops provide the opportunity to 'try your hand at something new', and explore your own creativity. At Stanley Spencer's Sandham Memorial Chapel there are two drawing days. Book early for all of these! Some of our local schools are opening up their classrooms to show amazing work by young people - opportunity and optimism for the future!

Open Studios welcomes people of all ages and abilities to studios, exhibitions and events. The scheme seeks to show quality and diversity in the visual arts.

Pat Eastop MBE,
January 2010

 

The Open Studios Scheme is associated with the
Newbury Spring Festival 9 - 23 May