We are delighted to announce that more than 200 artists and makers have signed up for Perthshire Open Studios 2021. We are excited to be back after what has been a very difficult time for artists and makers. The response to our Call to Artists has been truly heartening, with numbers back to what they were in 2018 and 2019.
We will ensure that everything will be organised in line with COVID regulations and we aim to provide visitors with a fantastic range of arts and crafts of every kind right across stunning Perthshire and Kinross-shire.
After such a long period of isolation artists and makers are really looking forward to meeting people again, showing them round their studios and talking to them about their work. The full list of participants will be unveiled at the end of our registration period.
Depending on any travel restrictions, we believe there may be a very good turnout of visitors as well – especially as many people may choose to take breaks and holidays in the UK rather than overseas.
Changes have been made to the usual format which will give visitors the maximum opportunity to meet artists in the surroundings where they work as well as in two Showcase Exhibitions: at The Barn Gallery, The Bield at Blackruthven and Birnam Arts at Dunkeld. There will also be an exhibition of ‘Green Route’ artists’ work at Strathearn Arts in Crieff where several working artists will be based.
The Showcase Exhibition in The Bield will be open from Saturday, 28 August to Sunday, 12 September. Set up in a COVID secure environment, it will provide a taster of the art and craftwork of many of our artists as well as hosting four Exhibiting Artists and our Featured Artist for this year, the internationally renowned designer and wood sculptor, Angus Ross.
Open from Friday, 3 September to Sunday, 26 September will be our new Showcase Exhibition at Birnam Arts in Dunkeld. Known as The Gateway to the Highlands, this area with its rich history and stunning scenery is the perfect location to visit, to view a sample of the art and craft of POS members from all areas of the event.
There will be no printed brochure, but there will be information leaflets including maps of the entire event and downloadable route maps. Information about the artists and their venues will be publicised on the new dynamic website and visitors can be assured of a welcome from everyone at Perthshire Open Studios.
Glenys Andrews BA, MA, FRSA
President, Perthshire Open Studios (Community Interest Company)