ARTISTS are being invited to join those who are already part of Open Studios Ayrshire.

Held each year in April, the event has become a firm favourite with art lovers, with venues that include Rozelle House and Carnegie Library among others.

Membership applications will be accepted until November 20, with potential members asked to submit five pieces of work before that date.

Provided they live in Ayrshire, artists can apply to Open Studios Ayrshire (OSA), which attracts visitors, from near and far, in increasing numbers each year.

Chairwoman Julie Winter said, “The event continues to grow year on year both in membership and popularity and in fact this year we have had our artists showcasing their work at events throughout the year like Burnsfest and Ayr Flower Show.”

New members can expect to enjoy the great benefits of being part of the OSA network with shared expertise from established artists as well as financial and promotional support from the Lottery Arts Fund and South Ayrshire Council.

One new member, who joined last year, is Kit Henderson, who said: “It has been a really exciting year for me, it’s been so helpful having my art promoted to such a wide audience and being able to chat to members of the public about my work. 

“Everyone has been so encouraging. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone wanting to launch their career or to give their work some great exposure.”
A bus service was provided this year to tour the ever-growing list of venues where artists and makers display their work. 

Chairwoman Julie Winter said: “This year we have even more ideas to promote our members work and engage with the public and we are keen to hear if the bus to more rural areas is something people would be interested in again.”

Those artists not able to open their studios to the public have shared venues with other artists to create shared open creative spaces allowing local business to benefit from the event too.
Visit www.openstudiosayrshire.com for more information.