Saffron Walden artists to join Cambridge Open Studios

Cambridge Open Studios takes place across four weekends, and is one of the UK’s longest-running artist-led open studio programmes.

Artist Nadia Koo (Image: Cambridge Open Studios)

The public will have the chance to see art where it is made and meet artists in their working environments.

Richard Bray, chairman of Cambridge Open Studios, said: "Cambridge Open Studios has become one of the country’s most established open studio events, but what makes it truly special is that it has never lost its warmth, accessibility or sense of community.

A print by David Hardwidge (Image: Cambridge Open Studios)

"For visitors, it is a rare opportunity to step inside working studios, meet artists directly, buy unique work and experience creativity where it is made.

"At its heart, COS is about connection — between artists and visitors, between communities and creativity and between established and emerging makers.

Ceramic artist Ian Vance (Image: Cambridge Open Studios)

"We are enormously proud to continue growing the event whilst keeping that spirit at the centre of everything we do."

Participating artists from Saffron Walden and surrounding villages include printmaker David Hardwidge, optical artist Tim Armstrong, ceramic artist Anne Cardwell, mosaic artist Gilly Hayes, painters Katy Ellis, Shirley Felts and Nadia Koo, printmaker Liz Hartley, painter and printmaker Gaia Shaw and sculptor Ian Vance.

A painting by artist Nadia Koo (Image: Cambridge Open Studios)

Visitors will encounter a wide variety of artistic disciplines from painting and ceramics to sculpture, jewellery, textiles, and photography.

The scheme also has a strong community ethos and a focus on supporting emerging talent.

Optical art by Tim Armstrong (Image: Cambridge Open Studios)

This year will see the continuation of COS’s partnership with the Fitzwilliam Museum Young Artists initiative, which aims to nurture young creative talent at every stage, from early artistic development through to professional studio practice.

The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors across the four weekends, with art trails running through towns and villages throughout the region.

Cambridge Open Studios is supported by key donors and sponsors, including The Hill Group, Myspace Garden Studios, Cheffins, and Complete Electrics.

The Hill Group said: "The greatest cities are not shaped by bricks and mortar alone but by the communities and culture that breathe life into them."