Skipton Open Studios Ahoy!

James Qualtrough | June 6, 2012 | 0 Comments

Shipping containers normally used to bring essential supplies to the Channel Islands are being transformed into artists studios for the Jersey Arts Trust’s Skipton Open Studios.

The ten containers have been taken out of service with Huelin-Renouf Shipping and from 23 June to 1 July they will form an artists village in Weighbridge Place. Local artists and the charity, Jersey Mencap, are decorating the outsides in a variety of mediums including glitter, paint and lace. A traditional Jersey farm in the Island’s rural heartland, St Thomas’ Church and a blacksmith at Rozel are also being transformed into artists’ studios.

Skipton Open Studios 2012 is a seven-day celebration of local art at Weighbridge Place featuring galleries, hands-on workshops and demonstrations including container painting, free photographic portraiture, stonemasonry, print making, needle turning and photography. In addition, over two consecutive weekends, 46 Island artists will be opening their studios to the public or working in unusual and historic locations.

This week copies of the Skipton Open Studios Directory – a detailed guide to the 46 artists involved, where they can be found and when their studios are open – is being distributed Islandwide. Copies are available from Jersey Arts Centre, Jersey Tourism and local attractions and online at www.jerseyartstrust.je

Skipton Open Studios 2012 also launches a programme of events, workshops, courses and open studios that continue throughout the year.

Project manager Sasha Gibb said Skipton Open Studios 2012, the fifth consecutive event, promised to be the best yet as much of the collaborative work would be exhibited or taking place in unusual locations rarely open to the public.

‘We invite Islanders of all ages, especially families, and visitors to visit the open studios and also to join us at the Weighbridge’s taster exhibition, demos and workshops, then pick up a directory to choose the open studios they most want to visit But above all we want to promote the depth of talent among Jersey’s artistic community,’ she said.

Huelin-Renouf Shipping’s CEO, Richard Evans, said it was a pleasure to again support such an original concept in taking art into the community. As well as providing the containers, the company will be transporting and installing them in Weighbridge Place on the evening of 18 June.

Mr Evans said: ‘The logistics of such a tricky operation have their own challenge, however, with our expert team it is one they always welcome and really enjoy. As a long-established Jersey business, dedicated to serving the Channel Islands, Huelin-Renouf has a proud track record of supporting the arts, heritage and charitable organisations so we are delighted to give our time and resources to help promote local artistic talent and in such a novel way.’

Participating artists and venues include:
• Ian Rolls at the National Trust for Jersey’s Morel Farm
• Nick Romeril exhibiting his latest collection in a brand new development on the site of the former Alliance building in Plat Douet Road
• Jersey Mencap and Michelle Le Cornu at Castle Quay
• Adele Dark, de la cloche and Rylance Artist Blacksmiths at Rozel
• Jason Butler at Chandis House, Great Union Road
• Icon painter Karen Blampied in St Thomas’ Church
• Sharon Hall, PJ Thomson, Pippa Barrow, Matt Daley, Karen Le Roy Harris and Clare Ormsby at The Shell House, La Folie Inn

The Managing Director at Skipton International, Jim Coupe, said they were really excited to be involved in such a great community endeavour.

‘There is such a rich pool of diverse artistic talent in the Island – as shown by the 46 artists taking part. We hope that our support will help to develop their skills and also enable Islanders and visitors to learn more about their work,’ he said.

In addition to Skipton International’s sponsorship and Huelin-Renouf’s support, the event is also supported by the National Trust for Jersey, Genuine Jersey, the iQ Store, Jersey Tourism, Antony Gibb Limited, Jersey Heritage and the Jersey Development Company.