ARTISTS in the Tamar Valley have regrouped after a year’s absence for their latest Open Studios exhibition.

Drawn to the Valley has seen its membership soar during the pandemic, as more local artists seek to join forces - the group now has over 170 artists and makers. The collective also received funding from Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund, which has helped them develop an improved website with an online shop.

“That has been a huge help,” said Sue. “Having to cancel last year’s Open Studios and the loss of other outlets as well was a big blow. But despite all the uncertainty over how this year would pan out, we were determined to plan ahead for our 2021 Open Studios.”

The event, which runs until September 5, sees 67 artists at work and meeting the public in 33 studios either side of the River Tamar. The studios stretch from Rame and the Tamar estuary at the south coast end of the river all the way up to Lifton, taking in places such as Kelly Bray, Callington and Gunnislake.

Many artists have collaborated to hold group studios at larger venues. Among these is a brand new platform for the artists to showcase their work to the public – the newly refurbished station building at Saltash Railway Station. Five of the collective’s artists will be holding the station’s first community event, which coincides with the building’s official opening.

The idea of using the station as one of the Open Studios came from Saltash textile artist, Joanna Shepherd.

Sharing the space with Joanna are Simon Young (watercolours), Jean Mintoft (painter and felt artist), Melody James (oils, acrylics, pencil, charcoal, watercolours) and Tina Tian (Chinese brush painting watercolours).

Joanna said: “What a fantastic venue – it would be great to see people arrive to see us by train.

“They’d literally be stepping off the train and into our Open Studio.”

The biggest Open Studio is at the Art & Framing Centre in Kelly Bray, where 11 artists are sharing the space. Another five artists are sharing the Tamar Valley Centre at Drakewalls, while four more are holding their Open Studio at Callington School of Art.

For those who prefer a more intimate Open Studio experience, there are plenty of artists who are throwing open their solo studios. Among them are mosaic artist Georgie Bruce at Rame and painter Clare Law at Callington.

Find out more about all the artists and view an online brochure of Open Studios on the website www.drawntothevalley.com