ARTIST UNVEIL NEW OPEN STUDIOS EVENT

This summer over thirty local artists are reigniting an open studio event in rural Stirlingshire, welcoming the public to explore their work and creative spaces firsthand.

The inaugral Open Studios Stirlingshire event will take place this year from Saturday 15th – Sunday 23rd June 2024 reaching from Strathblane to Dunblane.

Lead organising artist Katherine Cowtan, a textile designer and artist based in Fintry, said:

“Open Studios events have a long history, and there are many of them Nationwide. Each is run locally, and for the past 12 years the Open Studios event for Central Scotland was ‘Forth Valley Art Beat’.

“When the organisers recently decided it was time for them to focus on other things, some of the artists in Stirlingshire decided this was an opportunity to create a smaller, more local event instead.

“Artists gathered only a few short weeks ago in Fintry to agree a new model, with support from Scene Stirling, a partnership of cultural organisations across the area.”

In its first year, the focus is on rural Stirlingshire, with the plan to expand in future years.  With a diverse range artists, crafts people and makers across 16 venues, not only will the public be invited into their working studios, but there will be group exhibitions to see, and the chance to talk with these skilled creatives about what they do, watch demonstrations, be inspired, ‘have a go’ at a new skill, join a workshop, and buy work directly from the artists. The range of work encompasses paintings, pottery, photography, weaving, basket making, animation and lots more!

Alongside a cultural feast, many of the artists live in very beautiful rural locations, and visitors will encounter fabulous scenery on the art trails across the open studios period.

For more information see: www.scenestirling.com/open-studios-stirlingshire to sign up for details, or follow on Instagram at @openstudiosstirlingshire and look out for signs near the venues during the event.