The work of around 80 artists who will be taking part in this year’s Marlborough Open Studios trail has gone on display at Marlborough College’s Mount House Gallery.
Visitors to the free exhibition will be able to enjoy works by a range of locally-, nationally- and internationally-renowned artists, in media ranging from oils and watercolours to pottery, ceramics, photography, and calligraphy.
Open Studios chairman Lisi Ashbridge said: “Fifteen artists are either new to the scheme, or are returning after a break, so even for art-lovers who visit every year there’s something new to see.”
Among the fresh talent is Bryony Cox, who was awarded this year’s Marlborough Open Studios bursary. Bryony, who graduated from Falmouth University in drawing in 2014, will be sharing Studio 25 with sculptor Lisi and landscape artist Meriel Balston at Meriel’s studio in Alton Barnes.
Recently, she travelled throughout Asia to document and draw people and their environment. Her work at the exhibition in inspired by the continent.
Also new to the trail is land- and seascape artist Mary Wilkinson. A fine art graduate who has been painting professionally since 1989, her oil paintings are inspired by the landscapes of Devon.
She will be exhibiting with painter Rebecca Spicer and maker of hand-made books Julie Smith at Rebecca’s studio in Mildenhall.
Commanding an eye-catching spot above a fireplace at the preview exhibition is a painting by Ollie Freeman. Angry Oak – a painting inspired by a tree he passes on a daily basis near his Etchilhampton studio – is a smaller example of his work: his pieces usually measure six feet across.
The former architect is inspired by solid shapes. As an associate artist, his studios are not generally open as part of the trail, but by appointment – details can be found in the art trail brochure.
The preview exhibition will be open to the public between 10am and 5pm from tomorrow (Friday, April 21) to Friday, April 28.
The Open Studios trail returns for four weekend runs on July 1 to 2, 8 to 9, 15 to 16, and 22 to 23.
For full details visit www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk