Calling all art lovers, South East Open Studios (SEOS) returns for a full month this Summer!
South East Open Studios returns in 2024, welcoming all visitors to see the work of local artists and makers at venues across the South East. Due to its growing popularity, this year will mark the first year of SEOS running for the whole month of June.
Stretching through countryside, coastline, villages and towns, the event not only helps to build artists’ profiles in the wider arts arena but also puts the South East on the map as a hub of creativity.
Artists and makers will open their studio doors, hold collaborative shows and host exhibitions to showcase their work to visitors at destinations throughout the south east.
Philip Johnson, Chair of SEOS, said: “The excitement is building as artists and makers throughout the south east have signed up for South East Open Studios. We’re so fortunate to live in a part of the country where the work of the creative community is so valued.’’
Frances Featherstone, a contemporary oil painter (and winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week' twice) returns to SEOS this year. Frances said ‘’I find SEOS to be a fantastic way for me to connect with my audience, to discuss and learn what attracts them to my work. I also love how SEOS brings artists like me together, helping to create a local artistic community to support one another and share thoughts and ideas.’’
Annie Soudain, a printmaker also taking part in SEOS 2024, said, ‘’I knew about the SEOS events some years before I joined, friends already exhibited and I enjoyed seeing the guides, fascinated by such a variety of media. I enjoy the interaction with people who come to see my work, some come to purchase and others ask me questions about the methods I use in printmaking. The whole organisation is efficient, I’m always surprised how far people travel but the maps make it easy to plan a circuit of studios to visit.’’
Many of our areas will offer ‘Trail Maps’ during the event, taking visitors from studio to studio and area to area - creating an idyllic summer adventure for families and art-lovers alike.
The event is led by over 200 participating artists and makers across a range of art and mixed media, open to members of the public to visit the artists in their studios and workshops.
The SEOS team are passionate about their creative community, providing a professional and proactive approach to supporting the visual arts along the journey ensuring that everyone is promoted and that the community remains inclusive and about collaboration.
Look out for our guide distributed to targeted outlets across Kent & East Sussex that showcases each Artist & Maker by area with maps and information, making it straightforward to plan visits.
Pick up one of the 30,000 copies from local businesses and organisations including cafes, pubs, shops and supermarkets. Please look at the SEOS website and Instagram to see the community and their work.