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 450 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 felt as though I was flying the flag for our craft within SAOS, as I was the only lampworker.  So imagine my delight now, as Helen White will be joining me this year.  Helen makes jewellery as well as lampwork items and is based just 4 minutes walk from my studio, so getting there could not be simpler!

To help promote SAOS in my borough, the East Surrey Taster Exhibition was held at the Reigate Art Gallery from Friday 21st May until Sunday 23rd May 2010.  Originally, a 1920's printmaker's studio, the Gallery is situated in the Castle grounds, just a short stroll up from Reigate high street.  22 artists displayed their work including: painting/printmaking (Bonnita Apperley, Kirsten Baron, Rosie Christie, Diana Croft, Chris Forsey, Christine Hopkins, Lesley Jones, Stella Mance, Judith Riiser, Sarah Williams), photography (Bridget Tyrrell, Ben Dray), assemblage (Jim Tucker), textiles (Meike Dalal-Laurenson, Jill Flowers), lampwork (Joanne Rohrer), decorative glass (Joe Tzabo), woodturning (Martin Dudley), ceramics (Faye Mayo) and sculpture (Jane Bohane, Gerda Rubinstein, Art Matters).  

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 studio opening times for June 2010 will be:

Sunday 6th June - 11am to 5pm

Wednesday 9th June - 11am to 5pm

(due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to open on 12th-13th June, as previously advised)

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'll be giving demonstrations at my torch, as well as offering lampwork items for sale.  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: Sunday 6th June 2010