86 artists open their studio doors in 43 locations in the Stroud Valleys over 2 weekends.
Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th May, 11am - 6pm
Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th May, 11am - 6pm
Joe Magee, Status
Download the Open Studios 2018 Directory here
A warm welcome to Open Studios 2018
It’s hard to say exactly why I enjoy visiting artists’ studios so much. Obviously I’m hoping for something to rub off. But then there’s the journey to get there, the discovery of new lanes and strangely obscure backwaters, which is like a little pilgrimage to a shrine.
I think probably my favourite studios include Cézanne’s in Aix where you can see scattered around all the objects familiar from the still lifes. That funny little cherub. Zadkine’s studio in Paris, Morandi’s little flat in Bologna, Paul Grellier’s ironwork barn one summer up in Bisley. It’s something about personality, too. Books on shelves. Kitchen utensils. The view from the garden.
And, finally, you can put William Morris’s golden rule to the test: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
Imagine having bought a Zadkine sculpture or a Morandi print before the price went through the roof!
Philip Rush, writer
Christina Bingle, Open Studios Artist
Explore Artists’ Studios in the Stroud Valleys
There are so many fantastic artist studios to discover along the 6 Open Studio routes starting with Route 1 in the town centre and and then Routes 2-6 stretch out along the Five Valleys out to Bisley, Golden Valley, Valley and Vale, Nailsworth, Painswick and Slad.
In Stroud town centre, you will find SVA, a central Open Studios hub with over 26 open studios artists. There is an eclectic mix of with independent shops, cafés and galleries and home to one of the best Farmers’ Markets in the country.
The town is set against the dramatic backdrop of the beautiful Five Valleys, just 90 minutes by train from London. Stroud is well-known for its industrial heritage and visitors can visit artists in the former textile mills such as St Marys Mill and Victoria works along the valleys.
Open Studio Routes
There are six routes linking studios according to their place in the Stroud Valleys area. The map in the directory gives a general indication of studio locations and routes (it is not to scale). It is strongly advised that you take an OS map or Sat Nav with you to find studios. Look out for the Open Studios signs!
Artists Information
The Open Studios directory gives information on the 86 participating artists who are showing their work in 43 open studio locations for two weekends in May.
Artists‘ studios may also be open at other times in the week: please ring artists directly to check individual opening times.
Disability Access
It is advisable to ring venues before you visit to check access.
Aimee Lax, SVA studio artist, photo Nigel Noyes
Buy art directly from artists
Open Studios is a great way to meet artists, find out more about the ideas behind their work and the techniques they use. Don’t forget, you can buy art works directly from artists! SVA has been hosting Open Studios since 1997, starting out with a handful of artists and has now expanded into one of the best rurally based Open Studio events in the UK.
Open Studio Hubs
Over the last few years we have been promoting groups of artists who are opening their studios together in one place as Open studio Hubs. We hope that Open Studios 2018 will be as exciting with lots more artistic collaborations and a greater focus on Open Studio hubs in the area.
