Somerset Art Weeks: September 23-October 8, 2017

Alternating between open studios and festival years, Somerset Art Weeks is now firmly established as one of the biggest showcases celebrating the visual arts in the South West. With over 350 artists in 120 venues for 16 days of this autumn’s festival, taking place from September 23 to October 8, many venues have embraced the theme ‘Prospect’ in their shows and events.

Somerset Art Works continues to support the arts in Somerset and facilitate exciting, challenging and inspiring artwork with a curated programme of commissions and partner projects all of which place art in the heart of the community.

Visitors can expect to be inspired and surprised by experiencing art in a variety of unusual and special locations with the opportunity to take part in workshops, activities and talks. The vast majority of the festival is free to attend.

Wells venues are:

Frameus, The Workshops

Jewellery, silverwork, furniture, interiors, wood

Nerys Davies: A range of exquisite handcrafted jewellery in platinum, gold, silver, precious gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Simon Morris: Simon has gained an excellent reputation in furniture design and making.

• Frameus, The Workshops, Market Street

• Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

Paper Prospects

Paper, printmaking

Celebrating paper making and its uses. Demonstrations by ‘Guild Makers’ will run throughout the duration of the festival.

• Somerset Guild, 23a Broad Street

• Opening times: 10am-4pm

Chris Lee and Frances Harden

Painting, prints, drawing

The longest gallery in Somerset featuring the work of Chris Lee and Frances Harden. Stretching from Frances’ studio in Sadler Street and showing in over 25 shops throughout Wells.

• Half Mile Gallery, High Street

• Opening times: 11am-6pm

Heritage Courtyard Studios and Gallery

Painting, prints, drawing

Heritage Courtyard Studios is a unique facility in the heart of Wells, for artists and art lovers alike, incorporating a light and spacious contemporary art gallery, an educational space and ten artists’ studios.

Since opening in 2015, it has gained a reputation for its extensive range of high quality work and innovative, contemporary exhibitions of both local and national artists. It also offers regular workshops and classes in drawing and painting for all levels.

The gallery is open and welcoming to visitors during exhibitions, and artists are very happy to show people their working studios should they drop in.

The artists will be unveiling their personal responses to ‘Prospect’, through their individual practice and a collaborative installation piece, during this year’s Somerset Art Weeks.

There will be a Grand Opening on September 23, and the studios will be open daily from 10am-4pm until October 8.

• Heritage Courtyard Studios, 6 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, www.heritage courtyardstudio.com

‘Muse’ at Wells and Mendip Museum

Mixed media

Sean Harris. Wells and Mendip Museum is one of eight venues across Somerset and Devon taking part in Muse, a project which has enabled contemporary artists to respond to the fascinating historic collections held within community museums within the two counties.

• Wells and Mendip Museum, 8 Cathedral Green

• Opening times: September 10am-5pm, October 10am-4pm. Entry fees apply

Wells Cathedral School

An inspiring and eclectic exhibition of artwork by Wells Cathedral School pupils in the John Baxter Foyer, Cedars Hall.

• The John Baxter Foyer, Cedars Hall, Well Cathedral School.

• Opening times: Please check the school website

Andelli Art

Galleries, painting, jewellery

This exhibition showcases the diversity and beauty of work by West Country artists Malcolm Ashman and Janette Kerr juxtaposed with 20th century works by Roy Turner Durrant, Simon Palmer, Zdzislaw Ruszkowski, Julian Trevelyan and others.

• Mendip House, Upper Breach, South Horrington

• Opening times: 11am-5pm

St Cuthberts Mill

Artist paper

St Cuthberts Mill is opening to the public for the first time in recent history, giving exclusive tours of this historic paper mill. This is strictly a pre-booked ticketed event. Please email events@stcuthbertsmill.com to apply for a free ‘golden’ ticket. Over 18s only.

• Haybridge, Wells

• Opening times: By appointment only

Society for Disabled Artists

The Wells Group of the Society for Disabled Artists  are exhibiting recent work in the Education Room at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, from September 23-29, in the courtyard just beyond the cafe. Free entry.

• Picture, top: Malcolm Ashman, Andelli Art