Glastonbury artists get involved with Somerset Art Weeks this September

Seven Glastonbury artists will be opening up their studios and homes this September to promote Somerset art.

Artists across the county will be welcoming local people into their unique worlds by holding demonstrations, tours and talks to all who enter their homes and studios.

This will take place from 15 - 30 September as part of the Open Studios event organised by Somerset Art Works.

The Red Brick Building on Morland Road, Glastonbury, will showcase the works of local artists Paul Branson and Richard Pelham.

Zoe Li, Art Week Coordinator for Somerset Art Works said: "I would definitely recommend Glastonbury locals go to the Red Brick Building as part of the Art weeks.

"It is interesting to look at the space and see what they have given it in terms of artistic value. It was a derelict building and I think they intend to use the building show people the relationship between art work and the space it was created in."

Katherine Clarke, who works at the Red Brick Building said: "The artists will be here every day during the Art Weeks and as well as displaying their works there will be little things going on all the time.

"There is no schedule as such but if when people drop in the artists will be available to do demonstrations and talk to people about the pieces on display."

Other local artists involved in the Open Studios event include painters Craig Askew and Kate Chidley and ceramicist Claire Springfield from the Love-Local online gallery and shop. They have worked together to create an exhibition that aims to celebrate local events, the coast and the countryside at Middlewick Holiday Cottages, Wick Lane, Glastonbury.

Louise Bellairs will also be opening her studio at 98, Wells Road, to the public.

Louise's art is inspired by sacred geometry; she creates intricate matrices which she then paints and embellishes with holographic glitter, Swarovski Crystal elements and metallic Paints.

Her visionary art is highly regarded and is used for inspiration in healing centres and retreats.

Finally, Ionannis Antoniadis will be opening The Heavenly Path Fine Art Gallery on Northload St, Glastonbury, to the public on Saturday 16 and Saturday 23 of September.

Artist Ionannis believes local art is an important to Glastonbury:

"Art is here in Glastonbury for people to enjoy and hopefully it should help raise awareness about what's available in the area.

"I work on spiritual pieces that I believe motivates people to come to Glastonbury. I am here to help and raise awareness about art and to encourage spirituality in the area."

As part of the Open Studios event, Ionannis will be hosting a concert at his Gallery on September 27 at 7 pm. Medieval musician Jennifer Bennett will be performing and giving demonstrations with traditional baroque instruments.

Somerset Art Works is encouraging schools to get involved with the Art Weeks and have put together an activity pack for schools who wish to get their children involved.

The pack offers homework and activity sheets, a list of Art Weeks venues suitable for school visits, information on organised tour packages and testimonials from schools who have participated in the past.

To request a pack contact Beccy Swaine: beccy.swaine@somersetartworks.org.uk.

Zoe Li said: "The point of the Open Studio Event is to raise awareness about the fantastic but perhaps unknown art available all over Somerset.

"Many artists cannot afford advertising and some cannot even afford their own studios, so this is a chance for any artist in Somerset to present their work to the public whether it is by opening their homes or renting out a display area for a few weeks."

For a full list of art venues open to the public during the art weeks visit the Somerset Art Works website.