Northants Open Studios 2023

Every September it happens! I tidy my study, start varnishing and framing paintings in preparation. It’s time for Northants Open Studios, with venues and artist’s studios opening throughout Northamptonshire.

So what’s the big deal? Well for a start Northamptonshire is a big county, and NOS has over 200 artists taking part, all featuring in a vibrant art scene. What’s brilliant about the NOS event is the sheer range and variety of art forms on show. Whether it’s representational, traditional, photography or abstract, a watercolour, oil, printing, ceramics or mixed media, it’s all on show. It could be an artist opening their own studio, or the vast range of exhibitions or pop up shows at venues, including the central exhibition at Lamport Hall.

Something to remember about NOS is that it’s not just about the artist selling work, but it offers an insight into the creative process. What’s the inspiration for the artist, where do they work and where do they get their ideas? Why do they paint, draw and make marks like they do? Art can be a solitary experience for an artist, and NOS offers a chance for two worlds, the viewer and the artist, to meet up face to face.

Cordell Garfield in his studio

The showpiece of NOS is the Central Exhibition held at Lamport Hall where you can view and buy artwork by artists taking part in open studios and other exhibitions throughout the county. It’s so good that in one place you can view over 400 artworks on display, and it’s free! So where to start if you want to visit individual artists? You could do no worse than picking up a brochure. This small booklet starts appearing at shops, centres, cafes, restaurants etc in August offers a good overview of the artists and their locations. Just pick one up and start planning who want to see, and where you want to go. Alternatively, have a look at the website Northants Open Studios this gives you a more in depth insight into the artist’s profile, their work and their own websites. Here’s a taster video of the NOS event launch:

The key thing about NOS is that there is something for everybody. Art is subjective, and everybody has their own preferences, but the sheer variety and volume of the different artworks and processes on view does mean it’s virtually impossible not to find something that would appeal. I would recommend having a look at the studios and venues that take your fancy, you’ll definitely find something that you like and maybe even want to buy.