12 October 2009, 09/233
Open Studio will be back again due to huge
demand
Artists and visitors have hailed West Lancashire’s first ever
Open Studio event such a massive success that it will be back again
in 2010.
This year was the first time that West Lancashire Borough
Council’s Arts Development Service and the Open Studio Collective
had ever organised such a big visual arts event following an Arts
Council England lottery grant.
The event involved lots of artists and craft makers opening up
their own studios during 29 August to 6 September so that visitors
could see first hand what inspires them to create. There were also
lots of innovative exhibitions, demonstrations and an exciting
treasure trail.
Over the nine days hundreds of families, adults and youngsters
flocked to the various participating venues and really enjoyed
talking to the artists and watching them at work. It was also a
real boost for artists who were able to raise their profile and get
their work known.
As a result, organisers have decided to do it again next year
and want to make it even bigger and better - but need more
help!
Work is already beginning for next year’s event and a meeting
will be held on Thursday 15 October, starting 7.30pm at Chapel
Gallery, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, where artists and other
interested parties can register their interest.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: “This was West Lancashire’s first ever Open Studio event and
we hadn’t anticipated just how popular it would actually be. The
children loved it, adults commented at how inspirational the
workshops were and some have even shown an interest in taking up
things like glass making. In fact, we lost count of the number of
people who kept asking us to do it again next year - so we are.
Without funding though, it’s crucial that we get as many artists
involved as possible to make it bigger and better. Come along to
the meeting on 15th October to find out how you can help.”
For more information about the meeting, please contact Dan
Greenham, Chairman of the Open Studio Collective on 01744 892518 or
07542918841. Artists who are interested can become members of
the Open Studio Collective.
Membership forms are available form Jane Coyle, secretary of the
Open Studio Collective, email jm.coyle1@btinternet.com, or
Jenni Ashcroft Outreach and Education Officer at the Chapel Gallery
on 01695 571328. Email jenni.ashcroft@westlancs.gov.uk
More information
- Contact Chapel Gallery on 01695 571328
- Visit Chapel Gallery at St Helens Road, Ormskirk.
It is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
- Visit the Chapel
Gallery web pages and website