Arran Open Studios

Tim Pomeroy writes about Arran Open Studios for the Voice

This does just what it says in the title. Over a long weekend in August (Friday 14th until Monday 17th inclusive) artists and craftspeople all over the island will open their studios and workshops for the public to visit and, potentially, buy artwork.

A brochure has been produced in which all the artists display photographic examples of their work, give details of their practice and supply information on opening times, access etc. Central to the brochure is a map on which all the studios are located and which includes personal directions from the artists on how to find their own particular studio.

This brochure is the main vehicle for advertising Arran Open Studios and it will be placed in major visitor outlets, galleries, art centres across the west of Scotland and the central belt. As well as everywhere imaginable on the island…look out for it!

What began as 25 participating artists has now blossomed to 34. Participants include sculptors, painters, printmakers, weavers, potters, jewellery makers, wood turners and furniture makers. This is an exciting addition to Arran’s calendar of arts events attracting art-loving visitors to the island and providing a new attraction for existing visitors.

An Art Bus will be running Friday Saturday and Sunday. What is an Art Bus you say? This is a minibus that will drive to three different parts of the island on three different days. The bus, which will aim to visit around ten studios per day, will stop and wait at studios to allow visitors to peruse, chat and perhaps purchase an art work. The bus will then drive on to the next studio. This allows visitors not only to see the studios but to get a hands free view of the magnificent scenery; Arran Open Studios organisers have guaranteed sunshine for the weekend!

The Arran Open Studios website www.arranopenstudios.com is a comprehensive guide to the people and works you can expect to encounter, and the Facebook page is an informal and sometimes humorous and informative peek into the lives and activities of the makers within and without their studio walls. This year’s event again boasts a small taster exhibition at the Visit Arran Office. This will run from 3rd to 17th August; pop in and see whose work you’d most like to see first. This is the third year of this event and it continues to grow in numbers and ambition. Support your local artists. Come and see them, as David Attenborough might say, in their natural habitat.

Please feel free to phone Ruth on 01770 820374 or Jan on 01770 700249 if you would like more information on Arran Open Studios.