Well the starting pistol has been sounded and the Artist’s at the WASP’s Studios in Hanson Street, Glasgow are finally getting together to plan this year’s event.
It can be a bit frustrating sitting with about 12 artist’s around a table. In my previous career I attended meetings all the time but business people tend to wel, do it differently. there always seems to be a lot of high emotion and I am as guilty as the rest. I think it’s because we all feel so passionately about this event.
If you have not been to Open Studios in Glasgow and you love art then I implore you to come along on 1st and 2nd October. It is an amazing day for all the artist’s and for visitors if the feedback from recent years is anything to go by.
WASP’s is a charitable organisation set up because, believe it or not, 8 out of ten artist’s earn less then 5K per year. WASPS offer affordable studio space and this allows and encourages the continued creation of art in Scotland. At Open Studios, there is no gallery commission and many artist’s can afford to have special offers so it is a great event to buy an original piece of art. Many artist’s also create special items just for WASP’s Open Studios.
This year in addition to being able to visit the artist’s, we are having a treasure hunt for kid’s and it looks like we are having an adult competition too with fantastic prizes such as ski lessons donated by sponsors.
This year artist’s taking part include Joe Hendry(that’s me!), Frank To, Linda O’Grady, Gillian Orr and also this year, Ronnie Heeps. I have a soft spot for Ronnie’s paintings. They are thought provoking and mezmerising. He has been working on new Kaleidescopic paintings. This is the forst year Ronnie has opened his studio in a numbe rof years and he is well worth a visit.
Also this year, Teresa Flavin, author of the children’s book, “The Blackhope Enigma” will be launching her new novel and also reading from it at certain times of they day. There will also be glass workshops and life drawing.
All of this was decided at yeaterday’s meeting, which, was very productive. IThere will be more updates soon as additional artist’s confirm that they are taking part.
