Over the last ten years, the Open Studios Notts initiative has supported over 1,120 artists. Around 500 individual artists have taken part, and around 650 have participated as part of a group. Sherwood Forest Wood-Firing Society and Patchings at Calverton are two North Notts groups that have participated every year in some capacity.
Griffin and Sinclair are one of the two studios in Nottinghamshire that have participated in every one of the 10 years of Open Studios. The award-winning, family business was formed by Lee Sinclair in 1974 with his wife Jill, and he was joined by his daughter Rosalind and her husband Daniel in 2013. Their workshops are situated in beautiful 18th century outbuildings across from the family home in Laneham.
The other studio that has participated in all 10 years is Susan Isaac in Upton. Susan is a painter and sculptor, who has won many awards for her art and was a ‘wildcard’ winner in the 2020 Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year.
Potter, Ann Robbins, has lived in North Notts for over 40 years but only took up working with clay when she retired from business. Ann has taken part in OS Notts on several occasions. She is a member of the Sherwood Forest Wood Firing Society and makes glazed functional pots. Her studio is an old Victorian salting house, which stands in the orchard of her home in Scrooby.
The Dovecote Gallery and studios is at Poplars Farm in Styrrup. It is the sculpture studio of Hilary Cartmel and Michael Johnson, with guest artists also exhibiting in the gallery. The 270 year-old farm building was built as a productive part of the farming economy, and is a work of art in itself. Hilary and Michael have also taken part in OS Notts for a number of years.
First timers to Open Studios Notts this year include Michelle Reader at Harley Foundation Studios and NeblinaArt, a rural studio and gardens. Michelle makes colourful and characterful large-scale sculptures from recycled household and industrial waste materials, encouraging people to consider both the environmental impact and the creative potential of the materials they throw away.
NeblinaArt is a voluntary organisation, a network founded by disabled artists, whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of visual and performing arts through workshops, exhibitions and debate. The studio is a rural retreat in Rockley, which also has an emerging sculpture garden.
Whatever style of art you enjoy, there is an artist for you to discover or revisit. From painting to pottery, ceramics, sculpture, music, dance, jewellery, glass work, textiles, mixed media, photography, our region is full of creative endeavour and inspiration. See page 26 to be inspired by our featured artist Emma Mayle at Stopped Stock Glass in Balderton, who is also taking part in this year’s Open Studios.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary, Open Studios Notts are encouraging you to participate too. As well as visiting the studios (online or in person), you can visit the Inspire 10 Years of Open Studios exhibitions in West Bridgford, Mansfield Central and Retford libraries and take part in the anniversary cake competition (see box for details).
For more information on all the celebrations for Open Studios Notts 2021 visit www.osnotts.co.uk and on social media: on Instagram @osnotts, Facebook @openstudiosnotts, Twitter @OSNotts and YouTube @OpenStudiosNotts.
For information about the Inspire Open Studios Anniversary Exhibition visit:
www.inspireculture.org.uk/osnotts
