More than 200 artists and makers have signed up for Perthshire Open Studios – and organisers are hoping it will be a bumper year as the region emerges from lockdown.
The event, which takes place from 4-12 September, had to be cancelled last year due to COVID and when an open call was made for participants for 2021 no one was sure what the level of response would be.
Glenys Andrews, president of Perthshire Open Studios, said: “We are excited to be back after what has been a very difficult time for artists and makers.
“The response has been wonderful, with numbers back to what they were in 2018 and 2019.
“Everything will be organised in line with COVID regulations – but we can hopefully promise visitors a fantastic range of arts and crafts of every kind right across beautiful Perthshire and Kinross-shire.
“After such a long period of isolation I think artists and makers are really looking forward to meeting people again, showing them round their studios and talking to them about their work.”
The full list of participants will soon be unveiled – but they will see the welcome return of many 2019 favourites such as:
- Alan Lewis: Stained glass; copper and silver jewellery
- Ceri White: A ceramicist based in Perth (pictured)
- Dawn Wood: Paintings, monoprints and ceramics
- John Easson: Traditional letterpress printing
- Karenina Johnson: Contemporary landscape painting
Depending on any travel restrictions, the organisers believe there may be a very good turnout of visitors as well – especially as many people may choose to take breaks and holidays in the UK rather than overseas.
Changes have been made to the usual format which will give visitors the maximum opportunity to meet artists in the surroundings where they work as well as in two Showcase Exhibitions: at The Barn Gallery, The Bield at Blackruthven and (new for this year) Birnam Arts at Dunkeld. There will also be an exhibition of ‘Green Route’ artists’ work at Strathearn Arts in Crieff where several working artists will be based.
The Showcase Exhibition in The Bield will be open from Saturday, 28 August to Sunday, 12 September. Set up in a COVID secure environment, it will provide a taster of the art and craftwork of many of our artists as well as hosting four Exhibiting Artists and our Featured Artist for this year, the internationally renowned designer and wood sculptor, Angus Ross.
Open from Friday, 3 September to Sunday, 26 September will be our new Showcase Exhibition at Birnam Arts in Dunkeld. Known as The Gateway to the Highlands, this area with its rich history and stunning scenery is the perfect location to visit, to view a sample of the art and craft of POS members from all areas of the event.
There will be no printed brochure, but there will be information leaflets including maps of the entire event and downloadable route maps. Information about the artists and their venues will be publicised on the new dynamic website and visitors can be assured of a welcome from all at Perthshire Open Studios.
Ends
Notes for editors
- For more information seewww.perthshireopenstudios.com
- For help or additional information contact [email protected].
- For interviews call Glenys Andrews on 07999 489532.
About POS
A not for profit organisation, Perthshire Open Studios (Community Interest Company) makes a significant contribution to the local economy and generates local community art and craft events throughout the year.
For media information contact Matthew Shelley at [email protected] or on 07786704299.