I am sad to report that another major event in the art calendar has had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus, COVID-19, and that is the popular Hampshire Open Studios.

While August, when this popular event takes place, is a little way off, the organisers, and many artists, felt they could not guarantee that all venues would be able to ensure safe distancing. Plus, many regular supporters may still be shielding at home then.

Normally, Hampshire Open Studios is a great opportunity for the public to visit artists, in their studios and other venues, and see how they create all the wonderful artworks. They can chat to the artists and get insights into the design and creation process. And they can then purchase unique art direct from the maker.

Hampshire Open Studios has grown substantially in recent years and this year was set to be a bumper one. I took part with the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen in 2019, which booked the Paterson Centre in Swanmore for our display. The benefits of a hall venue are that visitors are able to see the work of several different artists working in a variety of media in the same place, and there is a kitchen so drinks and cake can be provided too :).

This is just another of the real life events that artists rely on for their livelihoods that has not happened in 2020. If you can help to support them by buying postable items from their online shops, or commissioning work that they can work on in their studios, hopefully they will still be around when circumstances are better in 2021! I am one of the luckier ones as I have an online shop up and running.

Do have a browse of artists’ websites and cheer yourself, and them, up with a purchase of something beautiful that you can’t find elsewhere.