An interview with artist Nicole Purdie @printsbythebay by artist Kit Glaisyer
A MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANISERS
Unfortunately, we have had to postpone Bridport & West Dorset Open Studios 2021.
The week before the first national lockdown we had just sent out our preliminary BOS info & application 2020 email. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 & the year ahead we did not feel it viable to continue with the event as the safety of our wonderful Artistic Community & or course our dedicated Visitors is paramount. As many elements of life turned online, we too did our best to champion the efforts of our vibrant Art Scene with constant social media, spreading joy & art to our followers and encouraging the purchase of Artworks.
Like many of us, we very much looked forward to running our beloved Open Studios event in 2021 – to facilitate glimpses into the fascinating but often secretive realm inside of the Artists Studio, the enjoyment of experiencing Art in progress & of course the interesting conversations that flow from it all. In short, our event is fundamentally about people interacting, which is so difficult to reconcile with social distancing, group number limitations & changing tier restrictions. We are incredibly proud of our event and would hate to over-promise and under-deliver, and not every event translates online.
The main element that stands against us, is that putting together an event like BOS takes months of meticulous planning and at this stage we still just don’t know what the year ahead looks like. We learnt from last year just how quickly the situation can change, even from day to day and week to week and we have never had to factor in the possibility that the entire event could be cancelled right up to the last moment – with a considerable amount of time & finances already swallowed up. We would have to have commitment to a disclaimer in such an event.
Planning for the event would usually start between March – May so there is still time before we have to decide on whether BOS 2021 takes place, and if so what the format might be in an ever changing world.
Our key priority is keeping our Artists & Visitors safe, but we remain committed to celebrating each and every individual that makes up the vibrant tapestry of our Art scene.
In the mean time, we hope that everyone is keeping as well & creative as can be expected in these challenging times. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, or if you have any suggestions for how you envisage the event going forward. Get in touch with bridportopen@gmail.com
Four Painters: Rita Brown – Ellie Preston – Caroline Liddington – Caroline Ireland
During these unprecedented times, we will continue to promote our vibrant Arts Community by sharing their latest work in progress as well as art from the archives. If you particularly admire an Artist’s work, now is the time to reach out & buy an original or print, or consider a special commission.
Artists need your support more than ever. So, please visit their page and find their contact details to arrange a visit. Please follow the recommended Mask Wearing protocol once you enter their house/studio. Thank you.
* Please note, that apart from this home page, most of the current website content is from the 2019 event. Please have a look through our 2019 Event Guide below.
Application Form & Cover Competition for 2022
Please email bridportopen@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list & we will be in touch with updates.
Congratulations to Ella Squirrell for winning our BOS 2019 Cover Guide competition!
The Bridport Open Studios 2022 Team
- Jo Clarke – Director
- Tash Lummes – Event Coordinator
- Kit Glaisyer – Consultant Director
- Kate Gowrie – Guide Design
- Ian Escott – Maps
- Paul Blow – Design
- Damon Allen – Webmaster
To get a flavour of what to expect next year, please enjoy browsing our 2019 Guide: