Artists across the Vale of Evesham are busy preparing to welcome visitors into their studios, homes and shared spaces over the August bank holiday weekend (25-27 August) during Worcestershire Open Studios.

Now in its fourth year, the popular three-day event gives visitors a unique opportunity to delve into unseen creative spaces and talk directly to artists about their inspiration and creative processes.

A diverse collection of arts and crafts will be available to see and buy in a range of different media, including printmaking, painting, textiles, photography, ceramics, jewellery and mixed media.

Artist and Worcestershire Open Studios co-organiser, Sally Anne Morgan, said: "Discovering some of Worcestershire’s fantastic artistic talent is the perfect way to spend a bank holiday weekend.

"Entry to all venues is free and some are also offering refreshments and demonstrations. Whether you’re an art lover, a family looking for a trip out, a budding artist, or just fancy a day exploring our wonderful county, you’ll definitely receive a warm welcome.”

Participants are located at 81 locations across the county stretching from Bewdley to Colwall and Badsey to Bromsgrove.

Artists taking part in and around the Vale of Evesham include Peopleton painter Kirsten Protherough, whose vibrant watercolour paintings are inspired by pop-art and Worcestershire’s natural environment.

Elmley Castle Village Hall will play host to five local artists working in a variety of media including pastels, acrylics and watercolour eager to share the techniques they use to convey light and atmosphere and to encourage people to look, and appreciate the colours and textures of everyday life.

In Badsey, ceramist Gloria Norman and artist Ian Gibson, who is also the creator of one of the popular Worcester Stands Tall giraffe sculptures, are combining forces to show off their work.

Ian’s surreal paintings and prints of unexpected scenes complement Gloria’s exciting ceramics beautifully. While Ian uses landscape and architecture to create compositions of mystery and imagination, Gloria crafts colourful bowls and jugs in high-fired stoneware and amazing birds such as

the extinct Dodo.

Visitors to The Art Pad in Offenham will find myriad colours among the plants and trees of a cottage garden as fused glass art flowers more than a metre tall and stained glass panels, catch the light and portray a magical world.

Among the groups and galleries taking part is Flyford Flavell’s Kingcot Gallery, showcasing a colourful , eclectic mix of glass, watercolours, mixed media, felted items and sculpture.

Vicky Kitchen, glass artist and gallery owner, says, “I’ve always been interested in craft and eight years ago I took a fused glass course as I’d tried nearly everything else.

The mix between art, science and gadgets sealed the deal for me – I was hooked.  Visitors will be

able to see all the tools of the trade such as glass cutters, strip cutters, powder sifters and tweezers all for manipulating glass and putting it the right place. It’s a riot of colour.”

A guide containing details of all the artists, venues and opening times is available at libraries, tourist information centres and other locations across the county and online at worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk

Visitors to five or more studios will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw for £100 to spend on artwork created by one or more of the artists.

ENDS

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