Have you ever wanted to see behind the scenes in a real artist’s studio and find out what lies behind the creative process? Each year, artists and craftspeople across Devon open their studios to show and sell their individual artwork. This event, known as Devon Open Studios, is the flagship event of the Devon Artists Network. It offers the public a unique chance to visit a diverse range of artists and venues and to purchase fascinating artworks, in every medium, directly from the people who created them. Members of the artists network include potters, painters, sculptors, jewellery makers, ceramicists, wood workers, needle workers, and just about any other type of creative activity you can think of! This year’s event features more artists than ever before, with 366, in over 200 locations, taking part.
The open studies can be found in almost every type of location: private homes, garden sheds, cafes and galleries. Some are on high streets or industrial estates, while others offer stunning views of the coast or countryside. The art and craft on offer is just as varied and interesting, and you’ll have the chance to meet artists who draw their inspiration from many different sources. The event offers an opportunity to discuss the artworks with the people who made them in the places they were made, and to discover the inspiration that lies behind them. The aim is to offer something for all art lovers, collectors, newcomers, the curious, and anyone else who is fascinated by new and exciting work.
Each venue provides details of opening dates and times, but if you can’t attend on the days shown, many artists are happy to arrange visits at alternative times. Some venues offer workshops and demonstrations, or other events, that you can participate in. The venues are also listed on an overview map for each part of the county.
Using the event guide, you can conduct your own self-guided art tour, taking in the studios and artworks that appeal most to you. Alternatively, you can just spontaneously follow the yellow arrows scattered across the county and see where they take you! Part of the fun of Devon Open Studios is the chance to discover artworks to fall in love with in unexpected places.
Each year, Devon Artists Network awards bursaries to emerging artists who are taking their first steps into a professional artistic career, returning to creative practice after a career break or taking their existing career in a new direction. The bursaries help to fund each artist’s participation in the Open Studios event, and winners are selected based on the quality of their work. Bursary winners are indicated in the event guide with a Bursary Recipient logo. Entry to this year’s showcase event, which takes place between 10th and 25th September, is free. There will be a range of artworks available for purchase, from greetings cards to large sculptures – it might make an ideal time to start on that Christmas shopping! Even if you are not able to buy anything, you can support the artists involved in this event by spreading the word among friends and family and by sharing on social media. More details about this year’s event and a studio location map are available from https://devonopenstudios.co.uk/.
