Crewkerne, like several other towns in Somerset, has started to see new developments, with some of the buildings in the town centre receiving a new lease of life. I’m looking forward to visiting Mike’s studio to find out more about his journey, experiences and training, and where his desire to communicate ‘the spirit that can emanate from a primal source’ will lead him. With a background as an art director and then a sculptor training at Dorset limestone quarries, drawing and painting now form the heart of Mike’s practice. As with many other participants, taking part this year would have provided a chance to get feedback on his work and meet a new audience. Mike Chapman (Venue 27) has recently moved to Crewkerne and has been busy turning part of where he lives into a studio. Here are a few of the artists I’ve been looking at online and why their studios are worth a visit: Although we couldn’t meet up in person so easily this year, and the digital format and resources will need refining over the winter, I’ve used the digital guide and map to get an idea of who to go and see next year. Open Studios always provides the opportunity to see what artists have been up to, peer inside their private spaces and find out about their latest work and ideas. But this year’s event did maintain the momentum for artists and their practice and essential content was created for next year, giving participating venues a head start on autumn 2021, as well as being a useful testing ground for digital developments. Many longed for the opportunity to get out and see real art, have face to face conversations again and we all missed the sense of occasion provided by a preview and a glass of fizz. The normal build up and anticipation were all clearly missed, without the familiar road signage which signals to so many that Open Studios is in full swing. Local networks became more important, with friends, neighbours and close contacts feeling comfortable making local visits, with others keen to get out in the inter-lockdown phase and see what people were up to, catch up with friends and colleagues and mull over the situation whilst looking at something inspiring and distracting. With so many challenges, and as we all waited for regular Government updates, the odds were against any sort of event taking place- but artists persevered, keen to have a window for their creative endeavours and to learn from the situation, adapting and applying these lessons for next year, when we all hope things will alleviate. Advertising was reduced, with many publications either pausing or ceasing printing over the summer, and with many normal stockists and locations closed, accessing a physical guide in public locations was difficult with a much-reduced potential audience. Advance publicity was tricky as plans were upturned, shifted and then shunted along. Planning an event like this, in uncharted waters, was always going to present unique challenges but the decision of many members to commit to the event, and embrace new digital approaches such as making films, developing their social media presence and taking part in webinars and live streaming events proved fruitful. A fully interactive digital guide was produced for the event, which will be carried over into Open Studios 2021 and the website hosted an interactive map, indicating which venues were open by appointment and those who were ‘digital only’ this year.ĭespite the uncertainty around the delivery of Open Studios in the middle of a pandemic, 80 out of the 119 venues who registered decided to open their doors this year via the ‘visit by appointment only’ system. An introductory film from Somerset Art Work’s patron, Kevin McCloud, outlined what was on offer over the 16 days, as well as providing a gentle reminder for those taking a look and enjoying what was on offer to support Somerset Art Work’s efforts with a small donation- like many organisations at this time, support is needed to continue it’s work and plan ahead with confidence. Open Studios 2020 was a different event for all participants this year, with a digital format and artists revising the studio visit experience for audiences.įor the event, the website had a new look, with an event calendar, programme of activities and artist films.
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