Somerset Open Studios 2020 in West Somerset
19th September to 4th October
Somerset Open Studios fortnight sets out to offer an opportunity to meet local artists and makers in their studios and workshops, to learn first-hand about their creative processes. This year Covid 19 safety restrictions has inevitably affected the event. There are fewer studios opening to the public and, for most of these, calling in advance is necessary. But with just a little planning there is still plenty to enjoy and Watchet is an ideal base for exploring studios in West Somerset. There is also an enhanced online experience featuring images, films, stories and demonstrations relating to artists’ studio practices across the county, that everyone can enjoy safely.
In Watchet itself there are two artists welcoming visitors: Jenny Barron, whose richly realistic still life painting sometimes has a whimsical or surreal aspect, and Jan Martin, whose prints combine traditional and digital techniques and encompass portraiture, caricature, and landscapes. Jan is also offering bookbinding workshops.
A short drive in any direction out of Watchet will take you to several more venues. Going west on the A39 towards Minehead you can visit Jane Hood (paintings and prints) in Washford, Sarah Fox (jewellery) in Withycombe, Leo Davey (painting) and Joanne Horrobin (enamelled copper vessels and sculpture) both in Minehead, then on to Luccombe on Exmoor for Sarah Easter Collins (painting). Taking the A358 south find Annabel Anderson (painting) in Bicknoller and Emma Duke (driftwood art and design) in Crowcombe. A round trip through the Brendon Hills will take you close to Lyn and Magnus Mowat (painting, sculpture, woodworking) in Brompton Ralph, or take a scenic drive across the Quantocks rejoining the A39 near Holford to visit Kate Hammond (mosaics).
These are just a few of many artists venues open across Somerset. Visit www.somersetartworks.org.uk for a detailed online guide and an interactive map of venues
‘Lucy’, drypoint print, Jan Martin, Watchet, Venue 107
‘Quinces and Cup’, watercolour, Jenny Barron, Watchet, Venue 108
Jane Hood in her studio, White Horse Cottages, Washford, Venue 109
‘Let’s Talk’, copper and vitreous enamel, Joanne Horrobin, Minehead, Venue 118.
Sarah Fox in her studio, Withycombe, Venue 115
‘Good boy on Bossington Hill’, mixed media, Sarah Easter Collins, Luccombe, Venue 119
