Dozens of Horsham artists prepare to open their studios and houses

As always, entry to all venues is free of charge.

Spokeswoman Esther Clark said: “This year, the dates coincide with Horsham’s very first Arts Festival (see pages 62-63). This combination should make for an excellent week and attract many visitors to the town.

“The 31 participating artists are spread over 13 locations in Horsham town and the villages of Slinfold, Warnham, Plummers Plain and Partridge Green, and people are invited to visit the artists in their studios or homes. Most of the venues offer refreshments, and at many you will be able to see artists at work; you will be able to ask lots of questions and you might even be able to have a go yourself!

“Among the arts on display you will find textile, glass, wood and up-cycling artists, silversmiths and sculptors, print and jewellery makers, and painters and ceramicists, some of whom are fairly new to the group; others are well-established artists.

“Denise Bliss has exhibited her jewellery many times before; she swapped teaching design and technology for jewellery making. She bases designs on nature and loves asymmetry in her work. Silversmithing is a craft that one can never stop learning as there are so many areas to explore.

“Jill Mills is a newish member to the group. While Jill trained in different techniques, she particularly liked the creativity of (French) knitting and crocheting with fine wires, with or without the addition of home-made felted beads. It’s a very original approach, one she enjoys teaching in her workshops.

“This year, many of Horsham’s artists submitted their work in a card competition. A panel of prominent independent local judges selected ten images of ten different makers to be made into high-quality greeting cards. The winning images display different techniques; from Paul Baden’s fascinating woodwork to Lesley Taylor’s witty sculptures, and from Jo Willis and Carolyn Gibbs’s peaceful paintings to David Meeking’s restless sea. If blue is your colour, Kevin Meeten’s Blue Spires, Alison Ingram’s Wolves, or Rosemary Myles’s mosaic will inspire you.”

And there is Esther’s own travel-inspired textile image versus Ian Hadley’s Carfax painting.

“The 5” x 7” cards come in two sets, they will be available at the various art trail venues, as well as at a number of different outlets in and around Horsham for £6, or both sets for £10.

“Please do come and visit as many art venues as you can!

“For details on the venues and facilities, please visit www.horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk, Facebook or pick up a folder from the library, Horsham Museum, The Capitol, or various Horsham locations.”

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