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 eleventh year, Surrey Artists Open Studios 2011 (SAOS) will run from Saturday 11th June to Sunday 26th June 2011.  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.

 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 Sunday 19th June 2011, every studio will be open from 11am to 5pm.  

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

Regrettably, I won't be participating this year, but I do hope that you will give all the other artists your support.   

Last updated: Sunday 22nd May 2011