Open Studio

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Open Studio
Open Studio

Open Studios are essentially a creative workspace open to the public, for viewing, lectures, selling of work and in some cases collaboration.

Contents

History

There is mention of open studios as early as the 17th Century:

In the modern era, Open Studios originated in the salons of 17th Century Paris, such as the Hôtel de Rambouillet and the gatherings of intellectuals and artists hosted by Madame de Scudéry.

Open Studio Entry

Since 1982 when Ned Hoskins first opened his house to the public as part of Brighton Festival the Artists Open Houses has grown to become one of the largest open studio festivals, slightly unique in the fact that the studios are often the artists' own houses.

How To Exhibit In An Open Studio

If You Have Your Own Venue Or Studio

Generally it should simply be a case of registering with your local open studio group. Invariably there will be a fee involved to cover the groups publicity costs.

If You Wish To Exhibit As A Guest Artist

Depending on the organisation of the local group, it may be possible to register as a potential guest artist. Otherwise or in anycase in may be advisable to approach a studio directly to enquire as to if they will accept you as a guest artist.


Open Studio Guided Tour
Open Studio Guided Tour

A Typical Open Studio

In more recent times open studios have taken on the format of artists opening their studios to display their work, in essence a gallery where the public can view and buy the artwork.

Who Exhibits

Often the open studio will exhibit the work of a group of resident artists and sometimes guest artists. The open studios will often be curated by the artists themselves so they present an excellent opportunity to engage with the creators themselves.

The studios will often be part of local arts festivals in which many other artists partcipate, and there will often be a network representing all the open studios. Typically there will be a diverse range of artists exhibiting in an open studio group/festival varying greatly in media, subject, celebrity and stage of career. Some groups/festivals may have a particular theme e.g. ceramics.

Studio Features & Events

Features and events include

  • sale of artwork & prints
  • refreshments
  • curated tours
  • talks
  • and in some cases musical performance or other complimentary entertainment.

Open Studios in The UK

Open Studio events are widespread across the UK

See Also

Purbeck Art Week

External Links

About This Wiki

Similar to wikipedia, The Artists Web maintains a wiki especially for artists, dealing with a broad range of topics both useful and informative to all readers.