From Saturday 29th May – Sunday 6th June, 148 artists from across Cornwall will be throwing open their doors to the public as part of the county’s increasingly popular Open Studios scheme. This is the sixth year that Creative Skills has run this event, which brings together artists and craftspeople who work in a wide variety of venues, from historic, beachside studios to remote cottages and chapels.

Open Studios Cornwall is one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK and after the most successful year to date in 2009, a record number of artists have joined the scheme this year. From potters and painters, through to conceptual sculptors, Cornwall is rich with artistic talent and Open Studios has proved very popular for visitors and locals alike, providing a great way to meet artists and gain an insight into their working practice. It is a real celebration of the amazing number of artists that live and work in Cornwall.

As well as giving the public a chance to see the artists at work and to commission unique and original pieces from them, some will also be offering taster workshops so that visitors can have a go at throwing a pot or printing on silk. From Lands End to the Tamar, the lively atmosphere that surrounds Open Studios welcomes people of all ages to be inspired and start creating.

To make sure that all the studios are easy to find an Open Studios Cornwall 2010 catalogue has been published and can be picked up from venues all over Cornwall. The catalogue is arranged geographically, so it’s simple to make a day of it by visiting several artists in one area and picking up some goodies and some new skills on the way. Each studio will also be clearly indicated by the striking Open Studios Cornwall sign – a bright orange ‘O’– it’s very easy to spot!

Project Director Jane Sutherland of Creative Skills says “As you travel across Cornwall visiting the artists exhibiting in this year’s Open Studios you will experience not only a range of marvellous and original artworks but also one of the most varied and visually stunning landscapes in the country. For artists the scheme is a valuable opportunity to raise their profiles and develop new skills in promoting their art. It exposes artists to a wider audience and offers economic benefits to the local community by bringing in new visitors.”

For more information on Open Studios Cornwall, including maps and information on all the artists, please visit www.creativeskills.org.uk/OpenStudios and download a PDF version of the guide.
 

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