Open studios have been established all around the country to help promote artists and their practice.  Artists open up their studios to the public, either as an individual or as a group, to show their particular art, offer workshops and demonstrations, as well as having work for sale. A broad spectrum of visual arts are included: painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, wood-turning, glass, mixed media, photography.  Not only are these events important for bringing artists to a wider audience, but it also offers economic benefits to the local community as well as developing new audiences for visual arts and crafts. 

Now celebrating its tenth year, Surrey Artists Open Studios 2010 (SAOS) will run from Saturday 5th June to Sunday 20th June 2010.  Over 350 Surrey artists will be opening up their studios or exhibition spaces, giving visitors the unique opportunity to view and discuss their work, as well as techniques used to create their particular art.  In addition, there are a number of activities taking place in the form of workshops and taster exhibitions.

 Although there are most definitely other lampworkers within Surrey, for the past two years, I have felt as though I was flying the flag for our craft within SAOS, as I was the only lampworker.  Based on my amazing experience as well as success, I am ever hopeful that a few more might join me this year, as it is such a rewarding experience.  I'll be giving demonstrations at my torch as well as offering lampwork items for sale.  I am also hoping to exhibit my lampwork and jewellery at the Taster Exhibition, planned to be held at the Reigate Art Gallery from Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd May 2010.  More details to follow when available.

During the two weeks, the core opening hours for SAOS are 11am to 5pm daily, 6pm-8.30pm on Thursdays.  Each artist or group of artists will open on specific days during the two week period (full details will be available from the SAOS website).  On the weekend of 12th-13th June 2010, every studio will be open from 11am to 5pm.  

(in my studio during SAOS 2008, with friend and artist, Jill Bellamy)

My planned studio opening times for 2010 will be:

Sunday 6th June - 11am to 5pm

Wednesday 9th June - 11am to 5pm

Saturday 12th June - 11am to 5pm

Sunday 13th June - 11am to 5pm

Wednesday 16th June - 11am to 5pm

Saturday 19th June - 11am to 5pm

I really hope that you'll find the time to pop in and see me.  I promise you that it will be a lot of fun; light refreshments will be available.  You will be most warmly welcomed, I can assure you!

Last updated: Monday 30th November 2009