Whats on guide
Discover whats on for the next 30 days
Northants Open Studios: Your Gateway to Artistic Exploration
Northants Open Studios stands at the forefront of democratizing art and creativity, fostering a diverse and vibrant artistic community within Northamptonshire. We believe that art should be accessible to all, irrespective of age, skill level, or medium preference. Our platform welcomes a rich tapestry of artists, patrons, and art enthusiasts, highlighting the myriad expressions of creativity that exist within our community.
Our central mission is twofold:
- Empowering Artists: We cultivate a supportive network for artists, offering opportunities for growth, collaboration, and exposure. Whether through facilitating exhibition opportunities throughout the year or opening channels to connect with venues, collectors, and buyers, we provide the scaffolding for artists to flourish.
- Engaging Communities: We work relentlessly to make art accessible, encouraging a broad spectrum of venues to host artistic endeavours. From historic churches to contemporary commercial galleries, we bring art into the heart of the community.
Our flagship event is the Northants Open Studios Visual Arts Festival, renowned as the largest of its kind within the county. Held every September, this festival turns the spotlight onto the artists and their creative process. Artists open the doors to their studios, welcoming the public into their creative sanctuaries. Here, visitors gain an unprecedented view into the inner workings of a pottery studio, the intricacies of stone carving, or the techniques employed in traditional crafts.
Complementing the studio tours, the festival also incorporates a Central Exhibition, showcasing a selection of each participating artist's work. Acting as a tangible brochure, this exhibition allows visitors to plan their studio visits based on their artistic interests.
To ensure broad reach and engagement, we distribute 10,000 festival brochures across Northamptonshire and beyond. These brochures, coupled with various venue-hosted exhibitions throughout September, serve to amplify the visibility of participating artists.
As a self-funded organisation, we rely on the generosity of venues and commercial sponsors within Northamptonshire. Their continued support empowers us to achieve our mission, making art accessible, promoting local artists, and nurturing an artistic community that thrives on diversity and mutual support.
Join us on this journey of artistic exploration and discover the myriad ways in which art continues to shape our lives and communities. Welcome to Northants Open Studios, where art comes to life.
Date: 03/04/2024 - 22/08/2024 at 10:00-15:00
Art Exhibition featuring works by artists from NROS who are inspired by Lamport Hall and its grounds. Artists include: Emma Saul, Debbie James, Sally Pennycate, Claire Mycock, Samantha Brockway, Angela Stanbridge, Gemma Hollis, Katy Dynes, Alyssa Robinson, Iryna Kohut, Alexandra Carpenter, Niall McC (See information on event)
Date: 08/06/2024 - 17/08/2024 at 10:00-12:30
Symphony of Art Open Art Exhibition is in the Janet Bassett Gallery. The gallery is part of the Rotherwell Arts & Heritage Centre and celebrates its 20 year Anniversary this year 2004 - 2024 Opening Times: Saturdays 10.00 - 12.30 Mondays 10.00 - 15.00 Thursdays 10.00 - 15.00 Fridays 10.00 - 12.30 (See information on event)
Date: 27/07/2024 - 27/07/2024 at 10:30-13:30
Come and spend a fun, relaxing afternoon making a Holey Moley Bowl. In this workshop I will guide you through making a 19cm abstract bowl. These pieces are unique and no two are ever the same. You will have access to a wide choice of colours in both transparent glass to design your own bowl. You wil (See information on event)
Date: 30/07/2024 - 30/07/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Have a go at comic book drawing with professional illustrator Katy Dynes. Dust off your pencil crayons and get your imagination flowing as you create characters and a story and learn how to put them together in your very own comic book! (See information on event)
Date: 03/08/2024 - 31/08/2024 at 10:00-16:00
Pop-up Exhibition of local art at ARTworks, Newlands Shopping Centre, Kettering. (See information on event)
Date: 03/08/2024 - 31/08/2024 at 11:00-15:00
Sally McRae, Julie Williams, Sarah Hutt, Sue Johnson, and Jamie Poole will exhibit at The Three Hares Cowper and Newton Museum in August. The entrance is free, and the exhibition is open every Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am -4.30 pm. All work can be purchased through the Shop. The museum is in Olney, a (See information on event)
Date: 06/08/2024 - 06/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Join professional illustrator Katy Dynes to hone and develop your drawing and illustration skills. You’ll develop characters, scenarios and stories, and learn how book illustration works. (See information on event)
Date: 08/08/2024 - 08/08/2024 at 11:00-16:00
On this workshop you will make the glass for a piece of copper framed garden art with a display area measuring approximately 10cm x 33cm. You will have the option of using transparent coloured glass on a clear background which is great for a bright sunny garden. Alternatively you can choose an opaqu (See information on event)
Date: 09/08/2024 - 09/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Come and join Katy for a fun 2 hours of observing, experimenting and drawing with different media. You’ll learn how to look at drawing, using simple shapes and will add a variety of line and texture to make each object 3D. Katy has been asked by many students how to “draw”, so she felt this wo (See information on event)
Date: 09/08/2024 - 09/08/2024 at 19:00-21:00
Fun, easy drawing exercises to build your confidence. No experience necessary, all materials provided. This is an adult session, please email nixiemade@outlook.com to make arrangements for younger learners. (See information on event)
Date: 10/08/2024 - 10/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Family sessions for groups of up to five people on 10th and 29th August. Morning or afternoon sessions available. Create a mini art journal from envelopes and then fill it with collage and imagination! Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times, suitable for ages 8+. Access via stairs at (See information on event)
Date: 13/08/2024 - 13/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Lots of people ask how Katy builds a character, so she thought this workshop would be a great introduction to the process she uses. The workshop will start with sketching from a group of objects; then we’ll look at shapes, how they fit together and how to build a character from our observations. W (See information on event)
Date: 14/08/2024 - 14/08/2024 at 19:00-21:00
Join Sophie to learn how to paint this colourful cow in acrylics. All materials provided. All abilities welcome. To book please call The Galleria on 01536 238295. (See information on event)
Date: 15/08/2024 - 15/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Join Katy for her Advanced Illustration class, a perfect next step from our Illustration workshop. Katy often brings a ‘live brief’ from an author with her for inspiration and guides you through the process of creating drawings and images in response. (See information on event)
Date: 15/08/2024 - 15/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
Learn fun wire jewellery techniques using loopers and pliers to create earrings, pendants, fastenings, bracelet components or rings! Beginners welcome. This is an adult craft session, younger learners by prior arrangement. Book at nixiemade.com Access via stairs. Free parking in John Street. Wire ma (See information on event)
Date: 20/08/2024 - 20/08/2024 at 10:00-12:00
A BRAND NEW workshop where children can bring their favourite Adult with them to draw together! Parents, Grandparents, Carers can have a go at comic book drawing with professional illustrator Katy Dynes, alongside their child. Dust off your pencil crayons and get your imaginations flowing as you cre (See information on event)
