Picnic hampers, rugs and perhaps even a little croquet will be on the agenda when Podpadstudios and Zozo Thomas open their doors for a special Garden Party in Swindon this month.
The August Open Studios event takes place on Friday, 21 August, from 2pm to 7pm at 225 Whitworth Road, bringing together local artists, makers and visitors for an afternoon of art, conversation and creativity.
Three new guest artists will be showcasing their work, with wood carver David Boase joining painters Deepti Arora and Carolyn Brown.
Arora will be exhibiting her colourful and distinctive paintings, which combine acrylics, wooden hangings and mixed media. Her work is particularly known for incorporating pistachio shells, creating highly individual pieces inspired by colour, nature, storytelling and her cultural heritage.
“My work is playful, textured, and deeply rooted in originality and sustainability,” she says. “Each piece I create is one of a kind, shaped by my love of colour, nature, and storytelling, and influenced by my cultural heritage and lived experiences.”
Visitors can also try their hand at pastel techniques with Carolyn Brown, whose work is inspired by the world around her and the changing seasons. Although pastel is her first love, she also works in watercolour and charcoal.
A new colourful piece of wall art by Komic will also be on display.
For those interested in three-dimensional work, wood carver David Boase will be bringing along his latest creations. His recent work has taken an unusual turn, with the artist spending the past couple of months concentrating on one particular shape.
“I’ve spent the last couple of months reflecting on the circle. Carving nothing but circles in fact,” he says.
Visitors will have the chance to meet Boase, see his carvings and find out more about his techniques, tools and the pleasures – and challenges – of working with wood.
Meanwhile, local author and illustrator Zozo Thomas will be based in the potting shed with her children’s activity books, which take their inspiration from the garden.
There will also be the chance to get creative with garden-party-themed crafts, including making a summer hat or a dried flower arrangement.
Back at Podpadstudios, Master Maker and Mrs Breaker – otherwise known as Mark and Anna Enright – will be displaying their collection of props and robots, alongside the studio’s two animatronic dragons, Stardust and Steel.
There is even a prize up for grabs. Visitors can enter a competition to win a signed print of the dragons by answering one simple question: how many scales did it take to make them?
The organisers are encouraging visitors to bring their own picnic and settle in for the afternoon, although light refreshments will also be available.
Anna Enright of Podpadstudios said: “We will be showcasing three new guest artists: wood carver David Boase and painters Deepti Arora and Carolyn Brown. Light refreshments are available; however, guests are invited to bring their own picnics and join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity. Croquet is optional!”
Entry to the open studios is free, although donations towards the upkeep of the garden will be gratefully accepted. A selection of artwork and gifts will also be available to buy.
Booking is recommended so organisers have an idea of numbers. There is limited parking on site, reserved for disabled visitors, so other guests are encouraged to walk, use public transport or park considerately nearby.
The Garden Party takes place from 2pm to 7pm on Friday, 21 August 2026, at Podpadstudios, 225 Whitworth Road, Swindon, SN25 3BX.
Visitors are advised to bring a picnic, a rug and an interest in art. Croquet remains entirely optional.
