Pink arrows point to Highclere’s guys from the Hood

Keep the bank holiday weekend free and follow the pink arrows to Westridge.

Hampshire Open Studios is an annual art trail where the visiting public can meet artists in their homes, studios and galleries free of charge. With over 250 venues open in the 10 days leading up to August Bank Holiday Monday, visitors can meet the makers direct and learn more about the work. You can find just about every type of art and craft on offer in the county, and eight regional maps make it easy to plan a trail around studios.

Made in the Hood has taken part in Hampshire Open Studios at Westridge since 2012, only moving elsewhere while Westridge underwent renovations. "As a collective of local artists and craftspeople we each work alone in our home studios, and love to come together in August for this annual event. We can see everyone’s latest works on display, and discuss new developments, such as Christine Highnett’s new layered images on eco dyed textiles, embellished with embroidery," says member Teresa Munn.

Erica Adams travels to learn a wealth of traditional basketry techniques, which are made using willows grown in her garden. This year she donned a wetsuit to gather rushes from the river, and these will be included in her latest pieces. Erica runs classes in basketry and sells work in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Julie Smith will be showing a whole new range of glass, developed from her experimentation with finishes and lustres.

John Brazendale joins the group for the first time, showing his range of both functional and decorative ceramics, with carvings and stamps drawn from hilltop scenes.

Helen Mortimer started a ‘100 day’ drawing project which has stretched to 200 days and is still growing – you can see extracts from her fascinating year book with a mixture of calligraphy and line drawing.

Helen Williams characterful garden ceramics are joined by pots from Jo Arkell. Jewellery is also on show from Jo and from Jane Fullman.

“We will be a larger group of 12 this year, and will utilise both floors at Westridge, which also gives us the space for artist demonstrations at various times over the weekend, including sketching and painting by Pearl Hailstone, Tessa Kirby and Jane Baikie,” adds Teresa.

“Whenever you visit over the weekend, there will be craftspeople on hand to answer your questions, or to leave you to wander in peace if that’s what you prefer! We hope you find something to enjoy among our basketry, bobbin wire lace, ceramics, glass, jewellery, paintings, sculpture and textiles.”

The exhibition is open on Saturday, August 23, Sunday 24 and Monday 25, from 10am to 4.30pm daily, entry is free.

Access and parking off Star Lane, Highclere, RG20 9QS.

The ground floor only is fully accessible.

More information online at www.madeinthehood.co.uk and www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk

Brochures are available from Westridge Studio and Woolton Hill Stores - just look out for the pink banners!