The return of Ouseburn Open Studios has got us all excited at Only In Newcastle. Our pals over at Cultured. North East have done a lovely round up of everything we can look forward to… and they shared it with us.
Ouseburn Open Studios will see eight venues open their doors
Preparations are well underway for the welcome return of Ouseburn Open Studios this weekend (November 27 and 28) after a two-year, Covid-controlled hiatus.
The popular two-day event has branched out beautifully in the years which have been and gone since its acorn-sized beginnings in 1995.
It has stitched, painted, printed, sculpted and crafted its way into Tyneside’s cultural – and shopping – calendar as artists and makers invite the public in to see what they do, and hopefully take some of it home with them.
The pre-Christmas incarnation (there’s now, in normal times, an Ouseburn Open Studios event in the Spring too) always offers a chance for some festive shopping – but at the same time, it should also serve as a reminder that there is an army of artists and creators working hard and selling the results all year round.
Ouseburn Open Studios are not just for Christmas!
Taking place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, those who make the wise decision to get amongst it will be offered the opportunity to go behind the finished works of more than 200 local artists and design-makers, and buy from a massive range of affordable and original work.
Paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, furniture and prints are among the delights which you could end up stroking lovingly in the comfort of your own home… or giving to someone who deserves a particularly special present.
Suitable for all ages, eight venues have signed up to put a big old OPEN sign on their respective front doors, while a supporting offer of interactive workshops and demonstrations and a tasty menu of food and drink will ensure everyone is catered for.
Here’s a rundown of some highlights:
Northern Print
As in past years at the busy gallery and print studio, there will be much to see and do during Ouseburn Open Studios weekend.
Northern Print are offering lots of opportunities to try your hand at printmaking during Ouseburn Open Studios
For starters, there’s the lovely Same Sky exhibition to see, which brings together the work of printmakers Lucy May Schofield and Sarah Duncan and celebrates the things which unite us.
Visitors can also be among the first people to see a short film by Alan Fentiman about a collaborative collagraph print based on Lowry’s Market Scene Northern Town and made during lockdown by Northern Print’s own studio artists.
And if all this inspires you to want to have a go at printmaking yourself, then it’s your lucky weekend.
Northern Print is always a popular stopping off station for Ouseburn Open Studios visitors
Studio artists will be available and delighted to chat about and demonstrate their skills. There will also be lots of opportunities to have a go at screenprinting and mokuhanga – traditional Japanese printmaking.
Visitors will be able to make a Christmas donkey garland – or an Inky Linky Dinky Donkey – to wear or display. You can also print and fold your very own origami star, which can either be taken home or left to display in Northern Print’s festive window complete with a wish.
And before you go, don’t forget to browse the hundreds of original prints and handcrafted gifts on offer in the shop and don’t miss the chance to find out more about the bustling courses programme being launched in the new year.
Throughout the weekend, a range of Covid-19 measures will be in place at Northern Print. Visitors will be asked to wear masks and there will be a limit on the number of people allowed in the building at one time.
Jim Edwards
Jim Edwards’ Ouseburn painting. Visit his gallery as part of Ouseburn Open Studios
This will be the first Open Studios weekend from Jim Edwards’ new gallery on 57 Lime Street, which offers lots more space to see his latest paintings and limited-edition prints as well as seeing his studio where the magic happens.
36 Lime Street
Ouseburn Open Studios offers a rare chance to explore five floors of studios and workshops which host a crowd of more than 30 artists and designer-makers.
Visitors will be able to discover an array of works, including unique gifts for Christmas, to suit everyone’s taste and budget. You can also meet the makers and commission your very own artwork.
36 Lime Street – Bethan Maddocks is taking part in Ouseburn Open Studios
Pianist Steve Luck will be performing and there will also be a range of demonstrations from artists including lithograph printing at Hole Editions; light and glass play with Laura Johnston; proggy mat upcycling with Ali Rhind, brooch making, pottery throwing, papercutting and a performance from She Choir Newcastle.
A pop-up café will keep everyone’s tummy happy and you can also enjoy this year’s gallery exhibition before grabbing a limited edition letterpress raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning some lovely prizes while helping to maintain this amazing building.
B Box Studios Artists
Part of the burgeoning Biscuit family, B Box houses an eclectic mix of creatives ranging from painters to interior designers. They’ll be more than happy to welcome you into their respective creative worlds.
The gallery will be chocka with busy artists and makers throughout the weekend with a host of demonstrations and interactive stuff to get amongst.
Light Up North are looking forward to Ouseburn Open Studios at The Biscuit Factory
This season’s headline artist, Anthony Marshall will be painting live in his pop-up studio; the Light Up North crew will be helping visitors transform their ideas into neon originals; artist Michael St Clair will be displaying his sketchbooks while painting in real time; and Keely Pearce will be demonstrating the papercutting skills which got her on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas last year.
The wonderful Forum Books will be firing on all cylinders and of course there will be shopping opportunities aplenty from a crowd of wonderful artists and makers in the shop.
Testhouse 5
Expect resident and guests artists, furniture, paintings and sculpture, prints, fashion and design, crafts and photographs. Ooh, and roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Mushroom Works
Visitors are once again being invited to chew the fat with the many artists and designers who have found their studio home in the Mushroom Works. They’ll be happy to talk about their creative process, techniques and inspirations while also offering some pretty special ideas for gifts.
Biscuit Tin Studios
A home for 40 artists, print makers, ceramicists, street artists, designers, makers and musicians, the former factory unit is a must-stop on any Ouseburn Open Studios tour.
Enjoy the chance to see these talents in their creative space and support their work.
The Kiln
Getting to grips with clay is what’s on offer at The Kiln throughout the weekend.
Kiln is inviting people to come for a clay playdate as part of Ouseburn Open Studios
The popular Mediterranean bar and kitchen, which boasts a delightful pottery and ceramics workshop, will be throwing its doors and arms open to welcome in the public and encouraging them to have a play date with clay.
There’ll also be a terrific range of ceramic works for sale throughout the venue too.
Ouseburn Open Studios will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday (November 27 and 28). For full venue details, visit www.ouseburnopenstudios.org.