100+ West Berks and North Hants artists prepare to open studios

This year’s Open Studios West Berkshire & North Hampshire runs from May 6-29.

Some 100 artists and makers local to West Berkshire and North Hampshire open their studios to the public or join together with others to set up an exhibition as a group.

Visitors can ask questions about working practise and maybe even pick up a piece of art.

Currently organised by a committee of 13, mostly working artists, who volunteer their time, its chairwoman, Newbury sculptor Diana Pattenden, says: “If you’ve never heard of the Open Studio scheme then make 2023 the year to find out about the artists that live nearest to you. All the details are on the website www.open-studios.co.uk

“There’s a map to study. Our seasoned followers explore the area and make a day of visiting favourite artists.

“The artists are welcoming and there is no obligation to buy. You might even find the offer of tea and cake and its certainly time to relax.

“As we sit at home waiting for spring it’s nice to plan trips with friends for when the weather is better.”

A guide featuring the studio and exhibition venue locations, opening dates and times and images of the art will be available in April. You’ll be able to pick up a copy at The Base, the Corn Exchange and around town. Or you can look online https://www.open-studios.org.uk/

A free-to-enter exhibition INSIGHT in the gallery at The Base, Greenham Business Park (May 6-29), features a taste of the work of participating artists and makers. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints, jewellery, woodwork, furniture, glass art, textiles and photography that will help visitors decide which studios they want to visit.

In 2023, you have the chance to enter Open Studios 2023 Prize Draw to buy some art. Collect five signatures from artists exhibiting at different venues on the form supplied in the printed guide, post it or email it and you will be entered on the prize draw and have a chance to win a £100 voucher to spend with an Open Studios 2023 artist of your choice.

Over coming weeks @newburytoday will be introducing many of the artists and makers to readers.