Suffolk Open Studios

Suffolk Open Studios REACHES NEW HIGH

Suffolk Open Studios returns again in June for its 9th successful year in its current format, and with a record number of participants. Every weekend, artists across the county will be opening their studios to the public to give visitors a unique opportunity to see their work, watch them create it and to discuss their practice.

Starting on Saturday June 6th, this year’s programme runs over the four weekends of June. All studios are open 11am-5pm and entry is free. Numbers this year are significantly up on 2019 with nearly 140 artists and galleries taking part, marking a new high point for the programme.

Visitors can see work ranging from the strictly traditional to the highly abstract, and covering every aspect of the visual arts – including painting, pottery, ceramics, glassware, print-making, screenprinting, woodturning, sculpture and more.

Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chairperson, commented: ’It’s wonderful to see record numbers of members enrolling this year – some old faces returning again from previous years, many joining for the first time. It’s testimony to the programme’s popularity that so many artists want to take part. The great thing about Suffolk Open Studios is that it gives the public a unique opportunity to meet the artists in person. How often do you go to a gallery, see something you love and think “I wish I could ask them how they went about creating that – what was in their mind”? With Suffolk Open Studios, you can!’ Klair Bauly (The Beginning) Acrylic

As in previous years, the 2020 programme launches with the Annual Showcase Exhibition on May 27th at the Apex Gallery in Bury St Edmunds. This year, the event will be opened by renowned artist and portrait painter, and long established Suffolk resident, Benjamin Sullivan RP NEAC, winner of the 2017 BP Portrait Award. Among his other achievements, many people will recognise Benjamin’s work from his 2018 portrait of The Queen.

Benjamin commented: ‘I’m delighted to be invited to open this year’s exhibition. Suffolk is famous for its artistic talent, both past and present, and it’s a pleasure to be involved in a project which seeks to bring so much of that talent into the public eye and give it the recognition it deserves.’ Issy Coe (Seedheads II)

Visitors can download a copy of the 2020 Directory from the Suffolk Open Studios website at www.suffolkopenstudios.org/artseast, where they can learn about participating artists, see examples of their work, check opening times and plan their route. They can also follow the programme on Facebook and Instagram: search for @suffolkopenstudios.

Suffolk Open Studios continues to support the work of its nominated charity, Suffolk Artlink. A new joint fundraising venture this year, “Hares around Bury”, will see artists creating customised hares for display in retail premises around the town, with all entries available for purchase at the Annual Showcase exhibition at the Apex from May 27th.