Cotswold Open Studios

Christopher Johnson's Buffels beach is just one of the works of art visitors can enjoy during Cotswold Open Studios 2013.

Jump aboard for a vintage bus tour taking in 18 Cotswold Open Studios venues.

The biennial Cotswold Open Studios event is returning bigger and better than ever before, and on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June 2013 members of the public will have the chance to discover an array of artistic treasures hidden in and around the market town of Cirencester.

Once again, an extraordinary range of creative talent is promised over the summer weekend, with 18 venues opening their doors and offering the chance for visitors to see working studios; meet the artists, designers, craftspeople and sculptors, and watch them at work; and invest in quality home-grown art and design.

There’s something to suit every budget, according to organisers, with the opportunity to pay in instalments or even commission something special throughout the weekend.

No less than 38 exhibitors keeping the arts and crafts tradition alive in Gloucestershire will be taking part, including Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Richard Kenton Webb, Fiona McIntyre, Adam Binder, Sophie Ryder, Christopher Johnson, John Lendis, David Garland, Darrell Warner and Justine Osborne.

Many, based in stunning locations with beautiful gardens, are inspired by the land that surrounds them, while others take their inspiration from text, film, music and the animal kingdom.

There will also be a showcase exhibition running alongside the Open Studios event, from Saturday 22 June to Friday 19 July 2013, at Corinium Museum, which will be accompanied by a group show; with one piece by each of the artists and makers participating.

Art enthusiasts and creatives alike are welcome to explore the venues at their own pace, by picking up a brochure and map from the Corinium Museum, or they can book a ride on Old Babs, Alexcars of Cirencester’s beautiful 1950s Bedford bus, for one of two guided tours; the first touring venues one to eight, plus the Corinium Museum on the Saturday, and the second touring venues nine to 17 on the Sunday. For details of the participating venues, please see the web link below.

Comprising a buzzing atmosphere with opportunities to connect with and buy works from many local artists boasting international reputations – not to mention a chance to explore ‘the capital of the Cotswolds’ in glorious sunshine – the forthcoming Open Studios event is not to be missed.

© SoGlos

Thursday 04 April 2013