2023 Directory cover artwork by Sam Marsh
Site Festival is an annual programme of artist-led projects; events, exhibitions, talks and directory of Open Studios in the Stroud district; established in 1997.
Whether you were an artist opening their studio doors, someone who lent a hand or you supported us and artists in any way - we want to say thank you to everyone involved in Site Festival 2023.
Site Festival is artist-led and would not be possible without all the marvellous contributions from artists, curators and helpers. Thanks also to Nikoletta Monyok for some incredible photography, and you can find the photojournal on the Good on Paper website.
What next?
Continue to support artists, connect with each other and keep in touch!
Contact artists using the information in the directory to arrange discussions, commissions and collaborations
Follow and support us online and in real life!
Find the story highlights on the Site Festival Instagram for tagged artists
Consider becoming a member of SVA to support the year-round artistic programme
Find the PDF of the 2023 Open Studios directory
May Darbyshire at SVA
An introduction to Open Studios 2023 from Chris Bingle
“When I moved to Stroud in January 1997, Stroud Valleys Artspace was in its infancy. I’d left a studio in a semi-derelict warehouse in Lancaster, and found a studio in what was then a semi-derelict warehouse in John Street where I joined an eclectic group of artists who became the core of Stroud Open Studios.
Artists opening their doors and inviting you into their working spaces, seeing where and how people work, and connecting the art with the people who make it is what sustains this wonderful annual event. It also enables you to buy pieces direct from the artist.
The Taster Exhibition, with examples of work by every artist, enables you to choose where to go, and who to see; from experience it’s impossible to visit them all! This year, following major surgery, my studio will not be open so I will visit studios I’ve long wanted to see. I hope to bump into you along the way!”
Chris Bingle, artist
Parrots: A Flagrant Exhibition of Mimicry
At ‘Sortilege’ in the lower studio of Nutshell Studio, artists created their own parrot display.
This piece is: “Polly Put The Kettle On”, by Bernadette Lawless.
Adam White, a dear friend and long-serving artist at SVA, came up with this idea after Open Studios 2022 when a parrot called Mika visited the studios. As he’d been part of many Open Studios over the years, he wanted a new idea to sink his teeth into, so came up with the idea of loads of artists having a piece in their studio as part of a trail.
Something that would appeal to everyone, and be a curiosity for both artists and visitors. So he devised “Parrots: A Flagrant Exhibition of Mimicry” directed by Mika the Parrot.
So let us know if you found parrot-like artwork on your travels around the studios!
Featured Artist : Teresa Poole
Teresa Poole, based at Victoria Works
Teresa Poole, based at Victoria Works in Chalford for Open Studios 2023, creates “unashamedly decorative” artwork inspired by Japanese art, and mixed media specialising in gilding and patinating. Trained by international interior designer Thomas messel as a decorative painter she has artwork, murals and commissions worldwide.
Due to an unfortunate mistake with the design software, the incorrect image is on Teresa’s listing in the printed Open Studios directory (the image belongs to Tessa Tyldesley at Frogmarsh Mill). It has been corrected on the online directory - so feel free to redownload it here.
We can only offer our biggest apologies to both artists, and hope that visitors will still be attracted to their work, and support them by visit their studios.
You can find more of Teresa’s work at teresartpoole.artweb.com, and follow her on Instagram @teresartepoole.
Tessa Tyldesley at Frogmarsh Mill
To find Tessa’s work, please visit www.tessatyldesley.co.uk and @tyldesleytessa on Instagram.
Why Open Studios?
Kate Williamson - Stroud Pottery
Community
“I’ve taken part in Site Festival 3 times and I absolutely love it. I can share the space, share conversations with visitors and other artists.” - Alice Sheppard Fidler
“Being part of Open Studios is being part of a community. You’re letting people in which you don’t do most of the time.” - Chris Bingle
“It’s always lovely because you meet other artists, and you feel part of something” - Sally Hampson
Watch the 2022 film to hear from more artists.
THE WAAS : A Validation by the Officials from the Bureau for the Validation of Art by Simon Pizzey
Openness
Since 1997 it’s been really important that SVA was not just about the building but about the community of artists who lived out in the five valleys, working away 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 practice.
Gilson Pereira at Site Festival 2021 by Simon Pizzey
Want to know more about Site Festival and SVA?
You can see previous Site Festival programmes on the Archive page. For more information about SVA and other previous programmes, find the SVA Archive page at www.sva.org.uk.