27 July 2009, 09/156
Artists and venues sign up for first ever Open
Studio
Exciting plans are being drawn up for the first ever Open
Studio as more artists and venues sign up to take part in the
largest visual arts event of its kind.
Following the news of a cash windfall last month to
develop this initiative, West Lancashire Borough Council’s Arts
Development Service and the Open Studio Collective have been
working tirelessly to put together a diverse line-up and
programme.
The event runs from Saturday 29 August to Sunday 6
September and includes artists and craft makers opening up their
own studios so that people can see what goes on behind the scenes
to create their pieces. The work on show will range from sculpture,
photography, embroidery, printmaking, glasswork, ceramics and
jewellery to paintings, portraits and artwork on badges, bookmarks
and bags.
A massive events programme has also been planned which
includes everything from exhibitions, a treasure trail, drop-in art
sessions and workshops, living statues walking about town, poetry
readings, a carnival for all the family or a stroll through the
nature reserve to see carving techniques.
A number of venues will be showcasing the work of artists,
including Chapel Gallery, Cedar Farm Gallery, Mere Sands Wood, Mill
House Gallery, the Concourse Shopping Centre and other smaller
studios and shops.
The Chapel Gallery will have special opening hours during
this event, opening every day during the bank holiday weekend,
Saturday 29, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August. The shop, café and
West Lancashire Open Exhibition will be open for everyone to enjoy.
A number of the Open Studio Collective artists will have their work
on display and artist Dan Greenham will be demonstrating
portraiture painting, using a range of techniques, which can be use
to capture likeness of the character.
Councilor Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services, said: "Since we found out we had been awarded the money
to stage this exciting event there has been lots of work going on
behind the scenes to make this a success. Lots of artists, craft
makers and venues have already signed up to take part and we are
developing a programme that is rich in diversity and inspiration.
It will showcase the amazing talent we have in our area and really
celebrate the arts. I’m delighted that we have already received so
much support for this event and as it’s the first of its kind in
West Lancashire we want to make sure it’s the best."
To find out more information or how you can get involved,
please contact the Chapel Gallery on 01695 571328. Alternatively,
pop into the Gallery, St Helens Road, which is open from 10am to
4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. For further information you can also
visit our Chapel
Gallery pages or www.chapelgallery.org.uk
(external link).
Artists who are interested can also become members of the
Open Studio Collective. Membership forms are available form Jane
Coyle the secretary of Open Studio Collective email:
jm.coyle1@btinternet.com
or Jenni Ashcroft Outreach and Education Officer at the Chapel
Gallery 01695 571328.
Related information