Devon Open Studios event starts on Saturday

This September 8th -23rd, Devon Open Studios showcases the talent and creative lives of the artists who live and work in Devon, when hundreds of artists are the stars of the show as they open their studios to the public.

Imagine finding free art exhibitions everywhere you go, with the unique chance to enter the personal space of an artist, talk to them about their work and buy art directly without paying a gallery commission. Whether meeting a solo artist in their private studio or discovering pop-up artist collectives in some of Devon’s most stunning heritage buildings, art lovers can gain exclusive access to the inner workings of the Devon art community.

Visitors can discover art on self-guided tours, brochure in hand, visiting as many artists as they wish or just follow their whim and the little yellow studio arrows dotted around some of the most strikingly diverse and spectacular landscapes in Britain, from the wilderness of the moors, across bucolic villages and towns to the rugged beauty of, not one, but two incredible coastlines.

Opportunities abound to join events, workshops and meet artists face to face in their working environment, whether it’s painting, sculpture, textiles, furniture, glass-blowing, photography, printmaking, crafts, ceramics, or fantastical puppetry; there’s something for everyone.

“Devon Open Studios - it's so inspiring and I love getting to meet the artists, chat with them and see their work up close as well as their studio spaces. I travel around to visit studios so I see places I might not have gone to otherwise. The whole thing is a brilliant idea and makes for very enjoyable time. ” Visitor 2017

This year, 259 artists will be opening their doors to the public and exhibiting their work in more than 153 locations across Devon. The popularity of the event has soared with over 34,387 visitors in 2017 and over £203,402 spent in reported sales of nearly 6093 items sold.

Devon Open Studios is an event organised by Devon Artist Network (DAN), which promotes, celebrates and champions the arts in Devon. Artist members, resident or working in Devon, are provided with a home page to showcase their work on the DAN website, receive regular arts newsletters and the opportunity to join events, workshops and exhibitions.

More information about Devon Artist Network’s Devon Open Studios can be found on the website: www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

A free guide to the event with colour coded maps and every artist illustrated, is available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries in late July. Please check the brochure to confirm dates, times, and find out helpful directions.

Devon Open Studios began as a pilot project in 1999 and now 19 years later, the FREE annual event which spans 16 days including 3 weekends in September, is one of the largest in the country.