Hurst Open Studios weekends - 2018

Where you can find artists in Hurstpierpoint 

Hurstpierpoint Open Studios will take place over two weekends in September during the Hurst Festival.

There will be 26 artists at 13 venues  around the village displaying their work, which includes paintings, photography, textiles, stained glass, furniture, sculptures and jewellery.

You can meet the artists and enjoy the wonderful variety of work on display, and maybe treat yourself, or someone else, to a unique piece of artwork. Refreshments will be available at two venues during the first weekend and at one venue during the second weekend.

‘Art making is a way of experiencing peace’ is a quote from artist Melanie Circle. With this quote in mind and a theme of ‘Peace’ running through the Hurst Festival, the Open Studios artists have each produced a piece of work in their own interpretation of ‘Peace’. These will be on display in shops around the village for the two weeks prior to the Open Studios.

The Open Studio venues will be open on 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd September from 11am to 5pm and will have blue and white balloons at the entrance. Please note two venues will only be open on the first weekend. 

Details of venues (with a map) are in the Hurst Festival brochure and on posters and flyers in shops in the village and in the library.

Discover more about the group online at: www.hurstpierpointopenstudios.com or search Facebook for Hurstpierpoint Open Studios.

Discover Hurst's hidden arts & crafts - Hurstpierpoint Open Studios

By Emily Volkert
With over 20 local artists showcasing a range of contemporary and traditional arts and crafts, the Hurstpierpoint Open Studios will once again be hosting its annual event, welcoming the public to view exhibitions and take a peek inside the artist’s workspace. Spread out over two weekends, starting 12th-13th September and concluding 19th-20th September, visitors can expect to take a walk through ‘a magical trail of local art’ spanning across 18 different venues throughout the village.
     Often found in an old garage or the back room of a house, strewn with colour swatches, unfinished canvasses and inspirational artefacts; an artist’s workplace can really give people an insight into the creative process and the creative mind. The Open Studios experience offers up a unique opportunity to take a ‘behind the scenes tour’, whilst you absorb yourself in the plethora of local talent on our doorstep. Folk will not only have the chance to view and purchase art but will be able to meet the artists themselves and even discuss commissioning individual pieces.
     Running into its 12th year, the event was first set up by local sculptor and painter Mike Cheetham, also an exhibitor, who was inspired by the Brighton Open Studios. “It was after visiting the Brighton Open Studios that I thought, ‘what a good idea for Hurstpierpoint’,” explains Mike. “I discovered that many other people shared the same view, so I got a group together, which was initially seven and it’s gone from there.”
     With a growing audience and an impressive artist line up, it’s evident that Mike and his band of supporters were indeed on to a good thing. There’s going to be a pre-event taster happening 10th August - 7th September, so keep an eye out for some of the artists’ work in various shops around the village. I was lucky enough to catch an exclusive glimpse of what’s to come and meet some of this year’s contributors at the home of veteran HOS exhibitor and event co-organiser Sylvia Thornhill. 

Full article available on page 13.