A mass off art

Great artists set to display their work

Perthshire Open Studios is an annual nine-day event held in September involving artists and makers across Perthshire, Kinross-shire and other neighbouring counties.

Launched in 2008 and now in its eighth year, the growing number of participants and visitors makes it a highlight in the calendar of arts events in Scotland.

This year, Perthshire Open Studios runs from September 5-13. There are 238 artists taking part, making it the biggest open studios event in Scotland.

Before the nine-day event begins, there are two preview events.

The first is the regular showcase exhibition at The Barn Gallery, The Bield, Blackruthven, Tibbermore which runs from August 29 until September 13.

It features the work of Scottish artist Frances Law who lives and works at the foot of Glenisla – along with examples by other artists taking part in the Open Studios event.

Frances is studying for a masters at Dundee University. The series of paintings at The Bield are inspired by the light, colour and architectural contours of the tiny shells she has observed on her beloved Island of Iona.

New to this year’s event is a partnership between Perthshire Open Studios and Pitlochry Festival Theatre. For the first time, the “theatre in the hills” has teamed up with local artists to promote both the visual and performing arts in Perthshire.

Glenys Andrews, chairwoman of Perthshire Open Studios said: “We are encouraging people to go to the theatre and when they go they can see some really good artwork.”

From September 1 to October 31, around 100 paintings by Perthshire Open Studios artists will be on display in the theatre’s River Room and the Upper Gallery. Prints and cards will also be available at the theatre, as well as an impressive collection of jewellery by local Perthshire artists.

Glenys explained: “We have got about 20 artists at the theatre for the August exhibition and they will stay on and then we will add others.”

There is everything from painting and sculpture to pottery, printmaking, photography and stained glass, spanning an area bordered by locations such as Dunblane, Crainlarich, Kinross, Blair Atholl and Invergowrie.

There are seven different routes to follow, each colour-coordinated depending on the area of Perthshire.

Glenys advised to look out for big orange signs and banners heralding participating artists.

For more information about Perthshire Open Studios visit www. perthshireopenstudios.com

Artist Frances Law.