Arran Open Studios ‘justified’ in going ahead with event
Visitors flock to studios showcasing the best of the island’s contemporary arts and crafts
The annual Arran Open Studios weekend has been a resounding success with artists involved reporting a busy weekend.
One of the largest events held on Arran since lockdown restrictions began, the event showcased the wide range of talented artists working on Arran.
Arran Open Studios aims to promote art on Arran, while providing visitors with an insight into how the artists create and work in their studios.
Over four days, starting last Friday, 30 studios across Arran opened their doors to visitors who were encouraged to look at the work being created and ask the artists questions.
Visitors could buy favourite artworks and many artists reported bumper sales, particularly on Friday, which one gallery described as their best sales day of the year.
Items on offer included felting, woodwork, paintings, quilting, sculptures, glass-making, kilts and jewellery.
Tim Pomeroy, one of the organisers, said: ‘Reports from a cross section of studios has confirmed a positive event this year, justifying the faith organisers had in deciding to go ahead when most other Arran events of note were being postponed again.
‘This fact was not lost on visitors who it was noted applauded the fact Arran Open Studios had gone ahead. It is thought at this early stage visitor numbers are slightly down on previous years.
‘But given the continuing uncertainty of Covid-19 and the vagaries of CalMac through weather, breakdown or infection, it is thought these reduced numbers only reflect a cautious thinking audience for the event. What has been noted is that those visiting are much more focused on discovering the living art of the island than previous years.
‘Fewer are the idly curious. And those focused visitors, it would seem, have been willing to spend.
‘It is thought that might be a sign of the increased optimism of the further relaxations of lockdown.
‘It is hoped, as it is universally, that next year all aspects of Arran life will have opened up again. Organisers look forward to increased sales and visitor interest in their tenth year.’
In addition to the open studios weekend, an all-year-round Arran Art Trail is available for visitors to meet the artists and see their work at 14 studios, workshops and venues around Arran.
Further information about these can be found on the www.arranarttrail.com website.