Spotlight

1-17 June 2012
Discover a fantastic array of art on your doorstep during the region’s largest open studios event. Entry is free and visitors can also buy/commission art, view demonstrations or take part in workshops. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to access art direct from the artists!
facebook.com/seopenstudios | @SEOpenStudios
www.seos-art.org

Open studio events have flourished in recent years and can be found in many regions across the UK. Amongst the oldest and largest is SEOS (South East Open Studios), which encompasses the whole of Kent and the East Sussex borders.

Each year, for two weeks in June, SEOS member artists invite the public into their studios to view their work and often their creative processes. Visitors enjoy the opportunity to meet the artists and glean something of the artist’s passion and dedication. They can also take part in workshops, view demonstrations, commission a piece of work, buy work on display or simply have a chat with the artist.

SEOS began back in 1996 when 46 artists working in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks were brought together for the 1997 West Kent Open Studios. Following the success of this first event, neighbouring areas also joined and it was renamed South East Open Studios, growing into the popular and established event it is today. As well as providing the public with a unique opportunity to access art direct from a range of artists, these open studio events also provide an informal network for both established and emerging artists,enabling them to showcase their work to a wider audience. Numbers of participating artists continue to rise and now typically reach around 300.

Membership is open to all visual artists and crafts-people in the region and includes many disciplines such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography, illustration, jewellery-making and sculpture. There is an annual fee to join allowing members to benefit from group publicity throughout the year and to be advertised on the group website and in the annual full-colour printed guide available in libraries, tourist information centres and art galleries throughout the region. There is also help and advice on hand regarding marketing and how to make the most of membership. Other benefits to artists include regular newsletters, information on opportunities and special events, plus access to group public liability insurance.

SEOS is an exciting opportunity to discover a fantastic array of art on your doorstep. Details online include all participating artists, studio opening times and directions, an area map, and ideas for where to eat in the vicinity. There is also a large selection of downloadable art trails that link nearby studios for those who wish to make a day of it, plus information on the SEOS Friend Scheme for those interested in becoming part of their local arts community and wish to receive information about SEOS activities throughout the year.

For more information please visit www.seos-art.org or pick up a copy of the free guide out now.

First published: a-n.co.uk April 2012