Artists’ studio doors across the Stroud Valleys are now open.
Open Studios celebrates the incredible diversity of creative talent that
exists here in the valleys, supports artists making a living from their work
and builds meaningful connections in the artistic community.
Artist Nick Grellier said: “Years ago I had a studio at the top of my cottage, down an impossible Stroud lane on the way to nowhere and everywhere. In those days there was an Open Studios bus tour, and minibuses of art lovers would suddenly arrive in the house. The art was everywhere so I’d just open the door and say ‘help yourself’. For us artists, Open Studios forces us to have a bit of a reckoning and a tidy-up – not too much though. Maybe find work we’d forgotten about, maybe do a little curating and definitely have some terrific conversations.
“I’m not opening mine this year so I can go and have a snoop at everyone
else’s. It’s impossible to know how many artists there are here – Stroud
has its own magnetic force, something to do with the wonky landscape
makes it entirely special, unlike anywhere else, and full of the most
excellent people. Follow your nose, see as much as you can and wear a
comfortable pair of trainers.
“We set up Site Festival Open Studios in 1997 when we first moved
into John Street Studios. For us, it was really important that SVA was
not just about the building but about the community of artists who lived
out in five valleys working a way in their spare rooms, sheds and kitchen
worktops as well as the more formal studio spaces.
“The word OPEN not only reflects the open studio door welcoming
curious visitors to discover the wonderful world of the artists’ studio but
also it reflects SVA’s OPENNESS to all artists of all backgrounds, ages,
disciplines and experience.
“Open Studios is not selected and we welcome conversations with artists who may be held back in their practise. Site Festival Open Studios celebrates the incredible diversity of creative talent that exists here in the valleys, supports artists making a living from their work and builds meaningful connections in the artistic community.”
