Arts & Culture

Tell us a bit about Colchester and Tendring Open Studios

Colchester and Tendring Open Studios began in 1998 and since then has run annually, this year is Colchester and Tendring Open Studios 10th anniversary year.

Open studios allows you to visit individual artists, ask them about their work, buy some original artworks or commission that special something.

What are you doing to celebrate the 10th anniversary?

Open studios is now a nationally recognised way for artists to engage with the public and its success continues to grow.

This year's occasion is special because it is the 10th anniversary, which for a voluntary run event, is a major achievement.

We have nearly 70 artists taking part this year, the largest figures this event has seen so far.

Artwork by Edmund Goubert

Which artists can people see at work at the studios?

Details of participating artists can be found in a printed brochure, available for pick up all over town, alternatively the website will give you further artist and event information and details.

The variety of work is immense with artists working in ceramics, jewellery, photography, glass, textiles, installation, paint, drawing, multi-media, print and sculpture.

There are also book artists and artists who design folding screens, assemblage artists and garden designers.

How many studios are there people can visit and where?

There are nearly 70 artists taking part with studios across the north of the county from Mistley through Harwich down to West Mersea and across to Wakes Colne.

Minibus tours will be running from firstsite @ the minories art gallery on every day of the event.

Saturday's and Sunday's spaces are limited on these tours, ring 01206 577067 to book.

When does it all start?

It starts this weekend 8th / 9th september and continues until 30th September, studios are open during the weekends.

Are there any other events to support Open Studios?

Yes there are three exhibitions; Open Studios exhibition at the Life Café Gallery 3 Culver Street West, Colchester CO1 1JG, open 03 – 30 September 2007 Private View 06 September 6pm.

Open Studios display at firstsite @ the minories art gallery café 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE 31 August – 30 September 2007, and Open Studios exhibition at Cuckoo Farm Studios Boxted Road, Colchester CO4 5HH, Saturday 08 and Sunday 09 September 2007

How do you think art is developing in Colchester and Tendring – are there more and more artists working in the area?

The fact that nearly 70 artists are taking part this year, the largest figure in Open Studios history, is a good indication of the increase in the arts in the area.