Devon?Open Studios sees big rise in number of venues

Wednesday, 06 June 2012

THERE?is to be a substantial increase in the artists’ venues as part of the Devon Open Studios this year.
Devon Artist Network has announced that there will be 172 venues — up from 142 compared with last year.
The annual 16-day event is held in September, when artists all over Devon open their studios to the public.
It is the flagship event of Devon Artist Network (DAN), a non-profit membership organisation committed to promoting the visual arts, and is supported by key sponsor Helpful Holidays.
The event provides exhibition opportunities, professional assistance, and marketing support to artists in addition to bringing large amounts of visitors into the county.
 Joanna Radford, chairman of DAN, said: ‘Devon Open Studios is a wonderful opportunity for the artists. To begin with it is great fun and we believe it’s a fantastic chance for the public to see such a broad canvas of work.
‘It’s also interesting for the artists as they get to meet the public, which is something they might never usually do. The dialogue between artist and viewer is a real stimulus to their art practice.’
It is a positive experience as visitors can meet the artist, see how and where they work and buy directly without gallery commission.
Visitors this year will have the opportunity to see artists working in a diversity of art disciplines and view demonstrations of techniques, talks and workshops.
The exhibitors include painters, photographers, set designers, furniture, textile and jewellery makers, ceramicists, print-makers, installation artists, and for the first time, a movement and dance artist.
Their work will be displayed in a fascinating variety of venues from private studios and gardens to city galleries and cafés.
The 2011 event in 146 locations saw almost 20,000 visits, and sales and commissions totalled more than £192,000.
Devon Open Studios not only benefits artists but also generates thousands of pounds for the county’s economy each year with many tourists booking visits to coincide with Devon Open Studios. The event is a great opportunity to explore the county, be inspired and celebrate the exuberant and vital role of the arts in Devon
A copy of the 2011 free event guide will be available from late July 2012 from Claire McLaughlin, coordinator, Devon Open Studios devonopenstudios@gmail.com
Phone: 07768 164560 or just send name and address and a copy will be posted when published. Meanwhile check out ‘Devon Open Studios’ on Facebook and @DevonArtistNet on Twitter.

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