AS WORCESTERSHIRE’S biggest celebration of creativity looks set to return in a few weeks, organisers are putting artists in the spotlight to showcase the value of art.
Ahead of the return of Worcestershire Open Studios (August 16 to 25) where 167 artists and makers will open up their spaces to the public completely free, our coverage will highlight some running themes of the 10th anniversary event.
Organisers have showcased a few of the artists taking part who are championing art’s ability to shed light on important issues and help raise vital funds for campaigns.
First up on the theme of ‘artists supporting charities’ is Louise Hancox (venue number – 62) from Hanbury. Louise is a painter and textile artist who supports a fundraising campaign for Elephant Nature Park – a world-renowned ethical sanctuary in Thailand.
Next up Worcester Arts Collective, a collaboration of artists deeply committed to sharing their talents for good. Over the past year they have delivered over 1,000 creative packs to local food banks ensuring those who use the service have a creative outlet, even in the toughest times. The collective believes art has the power to heal and unite.
Another artist championing good causes is Ian Ridley (venue number – 55) from Feckenham. After a cancer diagnosis ten years ago, Ian has sold cards and a book of his work exclusively for cancer research and regularly donates money from his exhibition sales to cancer charities and others including Music for Dementia and the British Heart Foundation. This year his sales from his participation in Worcestershire Open Studios will go to Primrose Hospice.
Also supporting noble causes is Sarah and Chris Greening (venue number – 104) from Claines. The pair, an artistic couple, will be showing their jewellery and pottery and selling home grown plants to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
And last but not least is Tom Greenway (venue number – 87) in Worcester. He sells his wooden designs to help local nature projects. He began his woodwork making rustic furniture before moving onto small animal carvings to cheer people up in the pandemic lockdowns. The animal carvings are now sold to help fund the new Chapter Meadows nature reserve, which his publishing company 3dtotal Publishing purchases in 2024.
All of these artists, alongside over 160 more, will be opening their creative spaces to visitors to see behind the curtain of Worcestershire’s greatest creative minds. Each artist has a number attached to their profile on the website. Use this number to find more details about visiting their open space within the digital guide.
Visit www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/artists-and-makers/ and search for the artists to learn more and see their work.
