Somerset Art Weeks

Since its inception in 1994 Art Weeks has become an important event in Somerset's calendar delighting art lovers from near and far. Due to increasing popularity and growth the decision was made in 2007 to turn the festival into an annual two week event with an alternating focus of Open Studios and Events and Exhibitions . 2010 returns to Open Studios

Art Weeks 2010: Open Studios Events

Online information is now availble, including full list, map of all venues and Art Weeks Special Programme.

This year’s Somerset Art Weeks will be an Open Studios event taking place from Saturday 18th September to Sunday 3rd October, when around 200 studios/venues across the county will be open to the public featuring over 300 local artists.  The event will focus on individual artists in their working environment looking at how they work, their inspiration and creative processes.

A diverse range of artworks will be showcased from pottery, glass, basketry and watercolour to textiles, wood and metal work as well as print, photography and several site-specific installations. Artists of regional and national repute such as James Lynch (painting); Pauline Rook (photography), Jenni Dutton (ceramics), Janette Kerr (painting), Rod Page (wood), Tom and Kim Atherton (glass) and Michael Fairfax (site-specific installation), will be opening their studios alongside an increasing number of emerging talented artists including Lucy Brown (ceramics) and Kitty Hillier (painting).

Image: Artist - Rod Page (wood) Kitty Hillier, Peter Messa (paintings), Richard Fairbother (table), Location - Barrington Court, Stylist - Emily Dewsbury, Photography - Rick Crane

Special Exhibition Programme

For the first time, a new Art Weeks exhibition programme is being introduced, which will include ‘Artists at Work’ at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton. This exhibition will present a range of multi-media work created by Mark Parry, Bronwen Bradshaw and graduate artist Kate Noble, exploring the inspiration and aspiration behind individual artists. AIR Gallery in Wells and the Ilminster Art Centre at the Meeting House will also host exhibitions to showcase a selection of high quality and affordable work offered by Somerset artists.

Somerset Art Weeks and SPAEDA, Somerset’s arts education development agency, are also working on a project to highlight young artistic talent in Somerset. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil will be transformed into a temporary studio to showcase young people’s work and a large scale participatory installation created with a professional artist.

To promote individual artists’ practices and to draw the Open Studios event back to its roots, artists are encouraged to interact with visitors and talk about their work in a creative setting. There also will be workshops, talks and taster session for all ages. The Art Weeks are a great opportunity to purchase and commission artworks or to simply enjoy Somerset’s art and culture; most studios are also family friendly.

CLICK HERE to the Art Weeks Special Programme.

Vistor's Prize Draw

Visitors to the studios can enter a free prize draw to win a two-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay at the Swan Hotel, Wells, www.swanhotelwells.co.uk. Other prizes include a £100 voucher towards the purchase of a favourite artwork and a piece of art hand-picked by SAW. The prize draw is sponsored by SAW’s Silver Corporate Friends, including Bruton School for Girls  and Somerset College.

Get Your Guide to Art Weeks 2010

A colour guide to the Somerset Art Weeks 2010 is now available with maps of each area, details of the Open Studios and exhibitions and all the activities you can get involved in. To request a copy email info@somersetartworks.org.uk or call 01458 253 800; details plus an interactive map will also be online from July onward.



If you are an artist who has missed the deadline, but would like to find out about next year's Art Weeks (2011) click here