Artists across Hampshire throwing open their doors for open studios events

From today to August 26, some 300 artists in 188 different venues across the county are throwing their homes, studios, village halls, garages and even sheds open to welcome you into their space and view their work as part of the Hampshire Open Studios.

And this weekend there is a chance to visit a further four studios in Southampton which are part of the second Southampton Open Studios Trail.

Both events are free and provide a great chance to meet artists, talk about their work and even make a purchase or two.

You can chat to the artists about their inspiration and techniques and may even feel inspired to flex your own artistic muscles in future.

There is a wide range of artists and craftspeople taking part in the Hampshire Open Studios event, which has been going for 13 years.

These include painters, jewellers, potters, photographers, milliners and more, some of whom will be offering workshops or who you can watch working on their latest creation.

Look out for the pink directional arrows to point you to participating studios and pick up the 72-page catalogue which details all the artists taking part in Hampshire Open Studios.

There are artists from across the county taking part, including Southampton, Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest.

These include Tessa Coe from Nursling, who produces contemporary abstract work inspired by science; Jane Pitt- Pitts, from Pilley who creates beautiful jewellery using handmade lampwork beads, fused glass and silver and Peter Harvey from Burghclere who creates striking bird sculptures.

Abstract by Tessa Coe

Coinciding with the weekends of the Hampshire Open Studios, a further four venues in Southampton will be opening their doors for the Southampton Open Studios Trail.

Fine art print workshop Red Hot Press in Captain’s Place, The Arches Artists Studios, also in Captain’s Place, and Tower House Studios in Quay Road which both give emerging artists a base to work from and not-for profit artists collective unit11studios on Mount Pleasant Industrial Estate will be showcasing a variety of work and techniques, including printmaking, painting, sculpture, illustration, textiles and film.

Poole Quay by Francesca Whetnall

Sunday, August 25 will also see the return of the Cattle Market Wayzgoose Fete, hosted by Red Hot Press and the Arches Artists Studios, which are located close to each other.

This will include print making sessions, taster sessions, artisan stalls and music from the Slow Arrangers Ukulele Band.

• The Southampton Open Studios Trail takes place from noon to 5pm today and tomorrow and next weekend. For more information, visit redhotpress.org.uk, aspacearts.org.uk or http://unit11studios.wordpress.com
• For more information about the Hampshire Open Studios, visit hampshireopenstudios.co.uk or call the organiser Peter Gilbert on 01725 512333. Each artist has their own opening times and days. Please note, most artists are unable to accept credit cards so if you want to buy as well as admire, it’s a good idea to take cash or cheques.