Open studios
Potter Hannah McAndrew. Photo: Angus
Bremner (Spring Fling)
Get a glimpse into the life of an artist or craftmaker learn what inspires them and find out about their creative process
Every year artists and craftmakers across the country open their studio doors and invite visitors in to discover where they create their work, whether in a purpose-built studio or workshop, a garage, garden shed, spare room or even on the odd kitchen table.
From painters, printmakers, sculptors, jewellers and potters to ceramicists, glassblowers, furniture-makers, woodworkers and textile artists, they’ll be happy to talk to you about their work and demonstrate their craft. Some of them will even let you have a go yourself, and perhaps you’ll be moved to sign up for a class or workshop.
Most events produce attractive brochures listing all the participants, with details of their work and maps to help you find them. They also become a great souvenir, or you can use them as a shopping guide later when you’re looking for that something special.
Sue Beaven making cane chairs
(Angus Open Studios)
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
One of the UK’s most successful open studios, Spring Fling is celebrating its ten year anniversary with around 80 professional artists and makers taking part. Visitors can discover the beautiful Dumfries & Galloway region on the Spring Fling bus, as part of the official Spring Fling cycle ride or with the Spring Fling Sunday morning walking tour. This year there’s also a web shop and a mapbased smartphone app to navigate you around the studios. After the event it will become a year-round art guide. June 2-5, www.spring-fling.co.uk
ANGUS
After a successful opening year in 2011, with over 50 traditional and contemporary artists and makers taking part, Angus Open Studios returns in this largely rural and unexplored area with not too many galleries, but filled with talented artisans. As well as open studios, this year’s event includes exhibitions in Forfar, Arbroath, Carnoustie and Kirriemuir. Visit the website to see short films of craftworkers in action as well as a rotating series of images of their work. May 24-28, www.angusopenstudios.com
Artist Sophia Lindsay Burns
(Art’s Complex)
EDINBURGH
For the first time ever and for one day only, Art’s Complex in the capital’s Meadowbank area will be presenting Scotland’s largest open studios event under one roof, with around 50 tenants taking part. Formerly an office block, the vast building is now a creative hub, where a wide variety of artists and craftmakers ply their trade. It also boasts some of the best exhibition spaces in the city. Apr 22, www.artscomplex.org
FIFE
Coming around for the seventh time, Open Studios North Fife is one of Scotland’s largest and longest established. This year involves over 80 artists, designers and makers living and working in a beautiful and relatively compact area of the ‘Kingdom’. May 5-7 (some studios also open May 12- 14), www.openstudiosfife.co.uk
Woodturner John Smith (Open Studios
North Fife)
Venues and galleries in the Pittenweem Artists and Galleries Weekend are dotted around the picturesque fishing village in the East Neuk and are all within easy walking distance. Just park your car and relax. Apr 6- 8, www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk
Heads up! The theme for Forth Valley Open Studios is connecting communities through art. Over a hundred artists are taking part from the Trossachs and the Campsies to the Ochils and Falkirk. Showcase exhibitions will be held at Stirling’s Smith Art Gallery & Museum and the Changing Room Gallery. June 9-17, www.forthvalleyopenstudios.com
