Visitors to Project Workshops very popular Summer Open Studios Weekend on 7^th and 8^th May 2011 enjoyed a magical weekend of demonstrations and displays hosted by the Project Workshop Artists in their spectacular studios at Quarley, Andover. 

Perfect summer weather enabled visitors to explore the beautiful complex of artist’s studios at their leisure – or simply relax in the tranquil Courtyard Garden.  Not surprisingly, the BBQ and stalls of local fare laid out by Parsonage Farm and We Cook You Eat, was a major attraction, and many a sunny picnic was enjoyed – some enhanced by the selection of cask ales provided by Mobile Bar 3.

A fascinating exhibition of sculpture in the garden curated by Sculptor Elizabeth Hodgson provided inspiration amongst the beautiful display of plants, some flowering unusually early thanks to the glorious weather. Elegant birds by Paul Harvey and Steve Blaylock’s playful steel dragonflies joined work from Project Workshops private collection by Paul Roberts Holmes, to form a thought provoking display.

In the studios, newcomer Tanya Dalley also created a stir with ‘Razzle Dazzle’ a wonderfully colourful installation promoting her ‘Art Encouragement Workshops’ (the sign on her door reads ‘Come in I am already disturbed!’). 

As always, Roman Glassmakers, Mark Taylor and David Hill delighted young and old with both their breathtaking display of glassblowing techniques and their scholarly knowledge of the traditions of glassmaking.  This year they demonstrated techniques used to make Georgian glass including baluster goblets and air twist stemmed glasses, assisted by visiting glass maker Tracy Sharpe.

Ancient skills were also on display in the Talos Art Foundry, where bronze sculptures are still made using centuries old techniques.  This year Talos was showcasing bronzes made for Dorset Sculptor Andrew Thomas, who brings his beautifully crafted wood carvings to the foundry to be cast in bronze.  Next door, Vivien Mallock was also displaying a selection of her recent bronzes including her latest life-size figure “The Secret”, made to commission for a private collection.  Vivi had invited local furniture makers Terry Lynch and Harry Gibb to join her in her studio for the weekend, and their rustic, workaday tables and stands created a strong backdrop for a selection of her popular small dancing figures and birds. 

A steady stream of bags and packages was seen leaving the workshops, many containing pottery from Jennie Gilbert’s Mishima range or one of Elaine Peto’s handmade ceramic animal sculptures.  “It’s been a great weekend” said resident artist and event organiser Amy Goodman whose display of sculpture and elegant ink drawings drew many compliments (and a commission!) “Comments from all our visitors have been so positive and encouraging – everyone has really enjoyed the event – and so have we!”

The next chance to visit the artists at Project Workshops will be for their Christmas Shopping Weekend on 10^th and 11^th December 2011 so if you missed the Summer Open Studios Weekend or want to come back for that special gift, put it in your diary now.  It’s a rare chance to mingle with a group of some of the best artists and craftsmen in the area and enjoy the superb setting of Project Workshops.