Art / Open Studios
Centrespace and The Island join forces for a bumper Open Studios weekend
In a boon for art fans, The Island and Centrespace Studios & Gallery have decided to hold their Open Studios 2024 on the same weekend.
Both venues will be throwing open their doors to visitors on October 12-13, with previews on the Friday evening.
“The studios are very different, reflects animator, Alfie Dwyer, “but in this time when town centres are losing both their identity and their individuality, we think studios like ours have a part to play in keeping Bristol’s centre special and unique.”
Woodcarver Michael Finally at Centrespace Gallery – photo: courtesy of the artist
Silversmith Polly Collins at Centrespace – photo: courtesy of the artist
At Centrespace, the artists showing their work over the weekend encompass a wide range of disciplines, including ceramics, illustration, upholstery, sculpture and jewellery making.
Within the gallery itself, 30 artists are joining forces in the third iteration of Backhand, the exhibition of work inspired by a randomly generated word – previously ‘dreary’ and ‘jiggling’ and in this case, ‘clumsy’.
Backhand Volume 3 – Clumsy – artwork: Jake Faulkner
Work by Merny for Backhand Volume 3 – Clumsy – artwork: courtesy of the artist
Alongside the selection of paintings, sculptures, graphic design, illustrations, and prints on show, there will be live music performances and carnival style games to keep everyone entertained.
Over at The Island, open studios will be complemented by tours of the building – a former Victorian police station – and dance and circus taster classes.
Food and drink will be available across the weekend.
Open Studios – photo: The Island
Centrespace and The Island Open Studios weekend 2024 – artwork: Rosa ter Kuile
Centrespace Open Studios 2024 is at Centrespace Studios & Gallery on October 12-13 from 11am-5pm, with a public preview on Friday 11 at 6-9pm. For more information, visit www.headfirstbristol.co.uk or www.centrespace.org.uk.
The Backhand exhibition Volume 3: Clumsy will be at Centrespace on Friday 11 at 7-10pm and Saturday 12 at 12-9pm. Follow @backhand.event for updates.
The Island will be opening their doors the same weekend, with a building tour and artist studios on Friday 11 from 4-7pm, the same again with added dance and circus taster classes on Saturday 12 from 11am-6pm, and the exhibition open on Sunday 13 at 11am-4pm. For more information, visit www.artspace.uk.
Main photo: Nick Hand
Read next:
- The Island celebrates 15 years with Open Studios weekend
- Backhand: The group exhibition exploring the word ‘dreary’
- Centrespace Open Studios returns
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