This year marks the 20th anniversary celebration of Swindon Open Studios (SOS) - and the 2024 celebration will be the biggest ever.
There will be 130 artists and craftspeople in 56 venues across Swindon and surrounding areas, and some of their pieces are shown here.
The free community-based art event during the last two weekends in September will give access to a wide range media including oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, mosaics, digital art and life-size film props.
Originally, a few artists invited family and friends but by 2004, 53 artists were taking part.
Since then, SOS has more than doubled, growing into a thriving and supportive arts community which banishes the myth that Swindon is a cultural desert.
A spokesperson said: "Swindon's event is proudly inclusive and celebrates creativity by welcoming amateur artists alongside full-time professionals.
"Everyone benefits. Visitors see many beautiful creations and artists get to meet their audience, gaining valuable feedback. The muck and mess behind the scenes is all part of the creative process and visitors might even be inspired to take up a new hobby.
"The back catalogue of work shows how themes develop, and creatives share the stories behind particular works. Some venues offer “Have a go” sessions such as pottery classes or how to cut stained glass.
"Venues and artists taking part include many in central Swindon, including Artsite with 21 artists and PodPad with 19 artists, while New College offers an End-of-Year show for students of their work in Art & Design, Media Make-up and Photography.
"Artists include Bare Glazed Pottery, Eastcott Studios, MAMS Gallery, Sue Barnes, Victoria Carter, David Bent, Lisa Lowe, Tim Carroll, Steve Sewell, Andi Theokle, Ken White, Sholeh Jafari, Patrick Taylor, Alex Crump, Helen Savin, Carmen B Norris, Tracey Baker-Stewart, Sheena Dickens and Deepti Arora."
Several homes, studios and exhibition spaces offer light refreshments and garden spaces to enjoy.
Full details, including locations, accessibility and a full catalogue can be found at swindonopenstudios.org for details of location, disabled access and a full catalogue of all 130 participating individuals and art groups, and regular updates can be obtained on social media.
From mid-August, brochures will be available across Swindon in Libraries, community centres, pubs and clubs.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article