Artists welcome visitors behind the scenes

Devon Open Studios
9-24 September 2023

Artists all over Devon will be inviting people to look behind the scenes during this year’s Devon Open Studios.

More than 300 artists will be demonstrating and showcasing their work in creative spaces across the county, including gardens, galleries, sheds, attics, a yurt and a historic mill. Many of the artists have taken their inspiration from the natural world – flora and fauna, coast and countryside. Others have been inspired by foreign trips to locations including Kathmandu and Venice. 

Local people and visitors to the county will be able to see a range of art and craft including painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, prints, ceramics and furniture.

Devon Open Studios is the annual  flagship event of Devon Artist Network.

Avenda Burnell Walsh of Devon Artist Network board said:
“Visitors will be able to enjoy free exhibitions and demonstrations, take part in workshops, meet the artists and celebrate the range of talent across the county.

“This is a really important event for Devon’s economy. Local people and tourists enjoy the opportunity to meet artists and buy their work, whether it’s a small purchase or a major investment. During Devon Open Studios last year, more than half a million pounds was generated in sales of artwork to nearly 50,000 visitors. Purchases ranged from greetings cards and small gifts to large garden sculptures and paintings. And for those who can’t afford to buy anything at the moment, we’re encouraging everyone to share their favourite art on social media to help spread the word.”

There are experienced artists as well as new talent; all of them keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors.

Artists include:

• Mick Thompson in Exmouth creates sculptures by welding vintage tools celebrating both the form of the creature and the original tool itself.
• Former GP, Exeter based Hannah Oram, makes art to lift the spirits and soothe the soul. She’s inspired by the natural world and the way it affects our emotions.
• Catherine West has gathered a group of artists inspired by nature and wellbeing to show their work in her garden and studio in Crediton.
• Alison Whateley creates contemporary textile art inspired by Devon’s coast and countryside. She will be showing her work in her studio in Thorverton.
• At a studio in Westward Ho!, visitors will be able to see Clare Willcocks’ and Emma Johnson’s oil paintings, mixed media and watercolours celebrating the coast and nature. 
• At Flameworks in Plymouth, a group of artists will be showing and demonstrating their metalwork, glasswork, ceramics, painting, textiles and wood.

• Susie Honnor brings a new inspiration to potato printing, using the special textures to create cushions and lampshades at her studio in Bovey Tracey.

• In Dartington, Caroline Zealey will be showing a series of paintings created during a recent nine month stay in Kathmandu working in a Tibetan nunnery.

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at creating something in one of the workshops, which include sketching in clay, eco dyeing, cyanotypes, paint & stitch, life drawing, stained glass, and woodcarving.

Guides will be available from community venues, libraries and tourist information offices in early August. An online version will also be available, along with more information about each of the artists on the website devonopenstudios.co.uk