Discover the art of North Wiltshire....

This’ll be the sixteenth year of Marlborough Open Studios. During the weekends of June 23rd & 24th and the 30th & July 1st, July 7th & 8th and July 14th & 15th, 42 artists in Marlborough and the surrounding villages will open their studios to visitors, inviting them to discover their artwork and creativity. Let’s get arty!

Life would be a grey and dull place without art.

And Marlborough Open Studios gives you the opportunity to get out there and discover some new artists that could really enrich your life.

There are many different disciplines, techniques and inspirations on offer from painters, ceramicists, sculptors, printmakers, illustrators, glass artists, photographers and a silversmith so there is something of interest for everyone with much of the work for sale.

Core opening hours for the artists’ studios are from 11am to 5pm but may differ from studio from studio. A full list of participating artists and studio times is available  in the brochure which can be found throughout the area or from the revamped website at http://www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk

This year the event has been brought forward by two weeks after consultation with artists and visitors alike who felt that the previous dates competed too much with other local events and school holiday arrangements.

The variety of work on show demonstrates both the range of gifted and successful artists within the scheme and the substantial interest from the general public who appreciate the opportunity to visit the studios and meet the creators of such wonderful work and enjoy a friendly discussion about it.

There are returning artists exhibiting new works as well as newcomers showing for the first time. The artwork on show ranges from those who take a traditional creative approach to more contemporary and experimental practitioners.

In addition, some of the artists exhibit a sample of their work in shop windows throughout Marlborough Town centre. ”Windows on Art”, during the same period, is an opportunity for you to sample the huge array of artistic styles on offer prior to planning your studio visits..

The new Marlborough Open Studios website is now more user friendly and gives additional information about the participating and associate artists with links to their own websites.

The intention is for the site to be updated throughout the year letting you know of any future exhibitions and other items of interest  including the Facebook and Twitter pages. Please become a “friend of MOS”, read what others have to say and leave your own comments. Feedback is always useful for the voluntary committee members who run the scheme to make any changes or improvements.

How to find the studios is easy if you look at the website or brochure. Beside each artist’s name is a studio number which corresponds to its location on the illustrated map. Studio directions are given in each listing and outside each studio will be a sign/poster displaying the studio number. Wheelchair access is marked with a symbol and approximate distance to the studio. Please telephone the artist direct if you need further information.

Marlborough Open Studios June 23/24th and 30th. July1st, 7/8th and 14th/15th

Website - http://www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk