Open studios bring art and interiors inspiration

The open studios movement has gained a great deal of momentum over the past few years, which is great news for interiors enthusiasts.

Artists and makers have interesting homes and work spaces and they aren’t afraid of colour, so visitors come away with decorating ideas and a resolve to be a bolder with their interior design.

The events also offer a chance to meet the makers, marvel at their talents and buy original art and homeware at source, though a purchase isn’t compulsory. The creatives involved don’t mind if you just want to admire and comment on their work. Feedback is very valuable to them and you don’t have to be an expert to voice an opinion.

This brings us to one of the biggest misconceptions about open studios. They are not high-brow affairs aimed solely at art collectors and those who can tell a Grayson Perry from a Bernard Leach.

They are open to everyone and this is made abundantly clear on the cover of this year’s York Open Studios guide, which has “artists and makers open their doors to all” on its front cover.

The free event is over two weekends, April 21-23 and April 29 and 30, and involves over 100 participants, from potters, painters and textile artists to furniture makers, glass artists and jewellery makers.

There are about 80 venues to visit both in York city centre and in the suburbs and villages beyond. Among those opening their home studios to the public are high-profile painters/printmakers/collage artists Mark Hearld and Emily Sutton.

Their work is sought-after and their home on The Mount is a visually exciting and creative place. Over on Burton Stone Lane, Ann Sotheran is exhibiting her stained glass panels and there will be demonstrations on request. Ceramic lovers are spoilt for choice with renowned studio potters Ruth King, Loretta Braganza and Ben Arnup all opening up their work spaces.

Mixed media, papier mache and collage artist Sarah Hall Baqai is new to the York Open Studios trail this year and well worth a visit. We have had a sneak preview as her home and studio on Main Street, Fulford, is set to feature in the Yorkshire Post magazine on Saturday, April 8.

Another chance to see artists and makers in their natural habitat comes in June when the North Yorkshire Open Studios launches. It runs on June 3-4 and 10-11, and covers an enormous geographical area, from Skipton to Scarborough and everywhere in between.

Open Up Sheffield runs from April 29 to May 1 and May 6 and 7; Hebden Bridge Open Studios is July 7-9 and East Yorkshire Open Studios is September 30 – October 1 and October 7-8.

*York Open Studios, April 21 -23 and April 29-30, www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk. For a free copy of the event programme email [email protected]. North Yorkshire Open Studios, June 3-4 and 10-11, www.nyos.org.uk. Open Up Sheffield, April 29-May 1, www.openupsheffield.co.uk. Hebden Bridge Open Studios, July 7-9, www.hebdenbridgeopenstudios.org; East Yorkshire Open Studios, September 30-October 1 and October 7-8, www.eastyorkshireopenstudios.com.