Media Coverage
It's open house for local artists
This is Kent (newspapers throughout Kent)
CANVASSING FOR SUPPORT: Painter Dorothea Huntrods and photographer Ellen Montelius are organising an exhibition as part of South East Open Studios
ARTISTS and craftsmen more accustomed to working quietly on their own will be throwing open their doors to the public this month for South East Open Studios.
"It is a bit scary," admitted painter and printmaker Dorothea Huntrods of Claremont Road, Tunbridge Wells, who is also exhibiting at the Society of Women Artists' summer exhibition in London later this month.
"But so many different people come, artists and students as well as members of the public, and it's just lovely to talk to them all."
Photographer Ellen Montelius, of Arundel Road, Tunbridge Wells, co-ordinator for the 34 artists taking part across the borough, said: "The event is very well-established here, it's grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and for artists working in isolation it's a nice way of communicating."
Textile artist Anne Kelly, one of a group showing together at Shed Gallery in Dynevor Road, Tunbridge Wells, said: "Over 100 people came over three weekends last year, it was our best ever, and it led to lots of sales and commissions.
"This isn't seen as a particularly arty town, but there are a lot of artists dotted around the area, and the recession seems to have made people appreciate them more."
South East Open Studios runs from June 4-20. For details, visit www.seos-art.org. Booklets are also available from many local outlets, including libraries, advice centres and art shops.