Notice: This article has been updated to correct the dates of the event.
This summer, Open Studios Stirlingshire returns to offer guests a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at various county artists’ studios and creative processes.
Running from Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 15, the locally organised event will feature a range of artists from across the rural Stirlingshire area. As north as Callander and as south as Strathblane, studios will be open to guests, allowing them to watch artists’ demonstrations, talk to artists and, if interested, buy some artwork.
Some studios will also be offering interactive experiences, where guests can attempt art themselves.
Artists include Sheila Patrick, a Fintry-based willow basket weaver, Mark Drury, a Doune based painter and jewellery upcycler, and Cindy McLoughlin, a Stirling-based potter and artist.
Local artists created the event in 2024 after the previous central Scotland Open Studios event ‘Forth Valley Art Beat’ failed to return after a 12-year stint.
Artist and weaver Katherine Cowtan helps organise the event as well as participating as an artist.
She said: “It is so much fun sharing my craft (silk weaving on a compu-dobby loom) and seeing people try a new skill for the first time- initially they are afraid they will ‘do something wrong’, or ‘break something’, but they quickly get the hang of the process, and a huge smile spreads across their face!”
Similarly, guests have shared positive stories of exploring previously unvisited parts of the county and trying something new.
Discussing Katherine’s studio and her artwork, one visitor said: “I had never been over the hills before, so I am thrilled to discover this part of Stirlingshire. It is really beautiful here, and I will definitely be back.”
A full list of artists, events, and location details (including accessibility details) can be found online here.
Featured image credit: Sheila Patrick
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