In celebration of two decades of artistic brilliance, Swindon Open Studios proudly announces its 20th-anniversary festivities.
Since its inaugural community art event in September 2004, the organisation has been a vital platform for local artists, fostering creativity and community engagement.
To kick off this milestone year, Swindon Open Studios is thrilled to collaborate with Swindon Designer Outlet, presenting a pop-up gallery at the shopping centre from Saturday, 10th February, to Sunday, 18th February.
Run entirely by volunteers, Swindon Open Studios holds its annual exhibition each September, inviting the public into artists’ studios, homes, and exhibition spaces to witness the magic behind the artwork. This year, the celebration extends beyond the traditional September event, with the pop-up gallery providing an additional opportunity for artists to showcase their work.
The collaboration with Swindon Designer Outlet was inspired by Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, the Cabinet Member for Culture, Art, and Heritage who expressed her excitement about bringing local art to a broader audience, saying, “I am thrilled that Swindon Designer Outlet is working together with Swindon Open Studios to bring local art and artists out into this fantastic space where it can be enjoyed by the wider community.”
The pop-up gallery, located between M&S and Clarks, features the works of six exceptional artists – Sheryll Fox, Charlotte Abraham, Sholeh Jafari, Helen Savin, Andi Theokle, and Mary Thorne. The diverse styles of these painters and a ceramicist promise a visual treat for art enthusiasts of all tastes.
Visitors to the gallery can engage with the artists daily, as they will be on hand to answer questions about the displayed art. Artworks will also be available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Swindon’s vibrant artistic community.
Expressing gratitude for this unique opportunity, Swindon Open Studios committee member and participating artist Sheryll Fox stated, “We are very grateful to Swindon Designer Outlet and Marina Strinkovsky for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative artistic talent that Swindon has. It’s a fabulous start to our 20-year anniversary, and I am very much looking forward to it.”
