Last chance to get into the Skipton Open Studios

Saturday 30 June 2018

If you didn't get a chance to see all the artists taking part in this year's Skipton Open Studios, this weekend is your last chance.

This year, 70 artists and collectives are taking part and have set up in 38 studios and creative spaces across the island. All are free to visit from 10:00 to 17:00.

This year marks the ninth that the event,  sponsored by Skipton International and produced by ArtHouse Jersey, celebrates "the wealth of talented artists and makers in Jersey.”

Alice Bravery, Producer at Art House Jersey said: “The Open Studios first launched in May 2008 in response to the lack of public art gallery space for local artists to showcase their work. The initiative stemmed from ambitious roots, featuring over 50 Jersey artists, with a group exhibition of the artists’ work at a pop-up shop in Bath Street.

"Simply put, it is a celebration of Jersey’s unique artistic community and culture. Have you ever wondered exactly how local artists produce their work? The Skipton Open Studios provides the public with exclusive access into local artists’ working spaces to meet the people behind the art, and get a fly-on-the-wall insight into their creative practices."

Pictured: Nick Romeril’s exhibiton at Picquet House. (Holly Smith)

Today and tomorrow Piquet House, which has been the event's headquarters for the past 10 days, will once again be open with artist exhibitions and free workshops for the public. 

Several artists are also holding workshops at their own locations. Today, Andrew Sinclair will be running a Studio Pottery session in his studio at Les Huriaux Farm in St. Ouen between 11:00 and 12:00. Participants will get to learn the basics of pottery and a chance to meet Andrew and view his work. 

On Sunday, Tim le Breuilly will introduce visitors to etching metal plates for printing at the Frances Le Sueur Centre on the Five Mile Road. While the technique uses strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal, Tim will be presenting a safe, non-toxic alternative that anyone can take part in.

Visitors can also check on the progress of the Mural Project Part 3. Launched in 2017 as part of the Skipton Art Series, it is curated by street artist Ben Robertson, a.k.a Bokra. After the West-facing façade of 23 Colomberie Street and the side of the Randalls-owned building between Seville St. and Canon St., this year the project has seen 10 artists painting murals across St. Helier.

Most of the murals will be completed by Sunday and a map has been created to allow islanders to find all of them.

Pictured: HAVN is set up inside Jason Butler's studio at 10 Commercial Buildings. 

Ben Robertson will also be at 10 Commercial Buildings where he set up HAVN an exhibition with photographer Danny Richardson and visual artists Sam Carney and Will Bertram. Ben Robertson said: "It is a group show with four artists. Danny has photographs, I brought collage work, Sam has paintings and mono prints and Will has a few installations. There is a real mix of art work.

"It is the first time that we have done something like this. The feedback has been amazing this week and we hope the get the numbers in this weekend." 

HAVN is open today and tomorrow from 10:00 to 16:00. 

Pictured: Gabriella Street’s exhibiton at Picquet House.

 This weekend also marks the last chance to take part in the sealed art auction. Included for the first time in the event's schedule, it gives islanders the chance to bid for an original work of art from Ian Rolls, Abi Overland, Nick Romeril, Pippa Barrow and June Gould. Artwork can be viewed at Piquet House as well as on the Skipton Open Studios website until Sunday before it goes to the highest bidder at 17:00.

Pictured: Clare Morvan’s Street Art Box in Royal Square. (Holly Smith)