Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug Now in its ninth year,  Bridport Open Studios (or BOS 07 as it’s also known) is an opportunity for the public to experience first-hand the vibrant creative culture of Bridport. The event now attracts hundreds of visitors every year, and is an important date on the arts calendar; with fifty venues opening their doors, and a true variety of artists, craftsmen and designers, encompassing everyone from established names to talented new faces.

Eighty artists are involved, offering everything from local landscapes to cutting edge contemporary art, and pottery to bespoke furniture.

Visitors are invited to view and discuss work with the maker; sheaf through notebooks; purchase favourite pieces (avoiding gallery mark-ups) or simply have a good nose about and move on to the next venue.

Artist Caroline Ireland started Bridport Open Studios in 1999 with the support of thirty-three artists, and the event has continued to grow every year since then. It is a true grass-roots movement, run entirely by artists and volunteers, and funded by the artists and a handful of sponsors & supporters.

What’s more, this year there are a number of ‘satellite’ events, with painting demonstrations, exhibitions, and a grand launch party at the Bull Hotel.

Launch Night at Bull Hotel, on Thurs 23rd Aug 6:30 to 10pm
The organisers are throwing a launch party in the Ballroom of the Bull Hotel on Thursday 23rd Aug, from 6:30pm to 10pm. Organiser Jaki Rabbetts will launch the event at 6:30pm and artist Kit Glaisyer will then unveil a recent commission at 7:30pm. There will be wine, live music (from DJ James Baker), and a bar.

Alongside the Open Studios a number of related events are taking place:

* There will be a live painting demonstration by artist John Rabbetts at 2pm on Saturday 26th at his Shipton Gorge venue (no.42).

* Artist Petra Hughes (no.9) will be doing caricatures at St Michael’s studios. With ten exhibiting artists, this is the largest venue taking part in the event (no’s 1-10).

* Artist John Baker has ‘appropriated’ the Compton beach at Burton Bradstock, and you’ll be able to see his ephemeral sculptures on the beach for the duration of the event (no.44).

* Artist Julia Hutton is presenting an exhibition called “Threshold” at her Front Room Gallery at 110 South Street (no. 18), a large collection of 6”x4” works featuring artists from Bridport, Cornwall and London.

* There will also be an ‘Open Evening’ at the Front Room Gallery from 6-8pm on Sunday 26th August (no.18).

* Jacqueline Archer has transformed the interior of her flat in South Street by painting directly onto the walls, and has created some fun creative activities especially for children (no.17).

* Sladers Yard will be serving lunches and cakes alongside works by seven artists and craftsmen, in their gallery in West Bay (no.41).

You can pick up a catalogue from the Arts Centre, St Michael’s Studios & Tourist Information Office on South Street.

Also visit our website – www.bridportopenstudios.co.uk
Or call Jaki on 01308 897568