Bridport & West Dorset Open Studios 2017

9 - 17 September

Celebrating Bridport’s Vibrant Art Scene

Portrait of Peter Hitchin, Venue 9 by George Wright

Bridport & West Dorset Open Studios is the highly anticipated annual celebration of contemporary visual artists

who live and work in Bridport and the surrounding countryside. Started in 1999 by Caroline Ireland, this year’s cover

Artist, the event has grown over the years to become a distinctive showcase for the vibrant West Dorset art scene.

This year’s renowned Open Studios event has moved to new dates, running 9th - 17th September. 78 of Dorset’s

finest Artists, Designers and Craftspeople will be exhibiting in 53 venues including galleries, studios and homes.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of visual arts including painting, printmaking, illustration, ceramics,

jewellery, textiles, glass, furniture and sculpture. Artists will have original works for sale, as well as prints and cards.

There will be a wide variety of art on display, from veteran names to emerging artists. Whatever your taste in art,

we're sure you'll find something to enjoy - whether it’s for investment, pleasure or simply to support the talented

artists. Participating artists include Greta Berlin, Gerry Dudgeon, Liz Somerville, David Brooke, Martyn Brewster, Jon

Adam and Amanda Wallwork.

The 2017 event is run by a team of three: Creative Director Tash Lummes, Consultant Director Kit Glaisyer and

Event Coordinator Paul Newman. There are also three designers involved, with well-known illustrator Paul Blow

helping with the Cover and Adverts, Kate Gowrie working on the Guide layout and Ian Escott designing the event’s

distinctive maps. Renowned photographer George Wright has taken portraits of some of the Artists in their Studios.

The taster exhibition ‘Exploring Bridport’s Art Studios’ is on display at Bridport Arts Centre 8th August - until 2nd

September, in the foyer and cafe gallery spaces, with a handpicked selection of participating Artists’ work in an

exciting variety of media. This is an opportunity to see all of the participating artists work exhibited together,

inspiring you to start planning your individual Open Studios visits.

Bridport Open Studios 2017 runs 9th - 17th September, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience how

the Artists work, to discover more about their creative process and to view their most recent work. Visit the Taster

exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre, pick up your free Guide and check out the website to start planning your

exploration of Bridport’s vibrant arts scene. www.bos2017.website

Gerry Dudgeon, Venue 18