This year Open Studios is run by a group of participating artists and has got off to a flying start with 125 artists registering to open  their doors - a record number - making it potentially the most  successful to date. Spokesperson for the group Mandy Bangerter said, 

"It’s such a unique and colourful event, with all kinds of artists including painters, potters, sculptors, textile artists, photographers and digital artists taking part. People love seeing these creative folk in their working environment, whether it be in their home, a shed or outbuilding, a public venue or even a beach hut, and of course all artists just love the opportunity to showcase their work. So with all this enthusiasm on both sides it's going to be a fantastic event!"

Spanning two weekends in July (15-18 July, South & West Wight; 22-25 

July, North & East Wight) Open Studios is open to anyone with an interest in Art - be they expert or simply curious, and Mandy is keen to make sure people know they can just call in on spec: "The nice thing about it is that it’s friendly and informal. Rather than phone and make an appointment, as is more usual when the studio is in the artist's home, you can drop in over the OS weekend. And you needn’t feel embarrassed if you leave empty-handed either: obviously, even the most serious art-collector cannot buy from every studio and all the artists understand this. The important thing is that people just come and look and above all, enjoy!

If you'd like to do an Open Studios 'trail' or if there's a particular artist's work you are interested in, you can pick up your free copy of the Isle of Wight Arts Open Studios 2011 Directory, or download it  from www.isleofwightarts.com.

The directory will be available in shops - especially art, craft and interiors, galleries including Quay Arts, libraries, Red Funnel boats and coffee shops, eateries and every other outlet we can squeeze them in!

IW Arts Open Studios 2011

15 - 18th July South & West Wight

22 - 25th July Central, North & East Wight

Island artists welcome the public into their studios in this annual weekend event for all art lovers. Entry is free and there is no obligation to buy. Pick up a directory of participating artists from outlets across the Island or see www.isleofwightarts.com.

Email:info@isleofwightarts.com