Herts Open Studios 2017

Discover the world of artists and makers this September, county-wide

For almost 30 years, artists and makers across Hertfordshire have been welcoming visitors for the annual Herts Open Studios in September. This year, the county’s largest free-to-enter art event is no exception as nearly 130 artists and makers take part over 3 weeks from 9th September to 1st October 2017 inclusive.

County-wide, more than 10,000 Open Studios visits are anticipated, with additional local events and trails adding to the journey of discovery, the opportunities for visitors. From students to graduates, individuals to families, visitors of all ages and interests are bound to find a warm welcome as they to explore the wealth of talent and creativity across Hertfordshire.

Herts Visual Arts, the only county-wide membership organisation for artists and makers, brings Open Studios to the county each year with an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Working hard on a mission of wider art engagement across Hertfordshire, HVA helps member’s network and access widespread opportunities. HVA also provides on-line gallery space for members and organises both member-only and public events – bringing artists, makers and all Hertfordshire residents closer together.

A widely-acclaimed Spring Exhibition at Welwyn Garden City’s New Maynard Gallery gave visitors just a taste of amazing work to be experienced during Open Studios. Next, our Art Fair in Hitchin at the end of July not only provides a feast of art, but also marks the launch of this year’s Open Studios Brochure and Art Trails.

There is painting, sculpture, printmaking, glass, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and much more waiting for visitors. The high quality and enormous variety of arts, crafts, artists and makers here in Hertfordshire ensures an exciting Open Studios experience.

This year, the sought-after Open Studios brochure is in a new A5 format. An amazing mine of reference information with all Open Studios artists individually listed, there are indexes and more to help visitors plan individual journeys through the arts. Widely available at public locations across the county, the brochure is also available on-line via the Herts Visual Arts web site.

Visitors can always expect to find artists ready to show, demonstrate or talk about their work, or just allow quiet browsing if that is preferred. Regardless, a warm welcome is assured at every venue and the brochure lists opening hours, demonstrations, refreshments and accessibility information. How often can you be sure of an opportunity to talk to an artist about their work, watch work in progress or perhaps even have a go yourself?

“Each year Open Studios is such an exciting event, both for the artists taking part and for our visitors,” said Herts Visual Arts Chair, Hillary Taylor, who continued “Whatever our visitors interests, wherever they are, there’s bound to be somewhere local to visit, from individual studios to larger mixed groups. Welcome to Open Studios 2017.”

Herts Open Studios takes place from 9th September to 1st October 2017 and is free to visit. Colour brochures are widely distributed across Hertfordshire, including selected museums, tourist information locations and other public places. It includes full details of every participating artist, images of their work and opening hours. What’s not to like?

Further information:

Herts Visual Arts is the Hertfordshire-wide not-for-profit organisation for visual artists. Run by and for members, HVAF supports artists and makers around Hertfordshire. The annual programme includes members meetings, exhibitions, Open Studios, the Herts Affordable Art Fair and more. www.hvaf.org.uk

For more information visit http://www.hvaf.org.uk/Open-Studios/Open-Studios-2017