Meet Your Makers

It’s one of the highlights in Perthshire’s cultural calendar – a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of the county’s arts and crafts at close quarters.

A fabulous array of 180 makers will showcase their work across nearly 150 venues, all set in the best countryside that Perth and Kinross has to offer.

The nine-day event – which draws to a close on Sunday – is a unique opportunity to meet and chat to painters, potters, woodworkers, jewellery makers and a multitude of other creative people.

You can track them down in converted barns, quirky cottages, cosy tearooms, capacious galleries – wherever there’s space for crafts to be created.

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It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to meet the makers in person, and to explore their individual workspaces at your leisure, all the while enjoying the magnificent surrounds.

It’s also a welcome chance for local artists to present their work to a wider audience.

There are seven craft trails, taking you on an artistic journey through the region – from the red route through Highland Perthshire to the turquoise trail in Kinross-shire to the south.

From professional artists and makers opening their workspaces, to art clubs and craft  groups getting together to exhibit, this annual extravaganza offers a unique opportunity to see work of all shapes and sizes.

 Whether your interest is in seeing a particular kind of art or craft being created, or whether you are looking for original gifts at affordable prices, the choice is tremendous.

There will be two showcase exhibitions – at The Bield, Tibbermore, until 9 September; and at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, until 28 September. This will be in addition to the main open studios.

 “The range of work on offer this year is most impressive,” says Open Studios President Glenys Andrews. “Whether your interest is in seeing a particular kind of art or craft being created, or whether you are looking for original gifts at affordable prices, the choice is tremendous.

“Furthermore in following a trail in a particular area or of a particular craft, the scenery in this part of the country – as we all know –is truly stunning!”

The Open Studios brochure is available from local visitor centres, libraries, arts venues, cafes and the artists themselves.

The brochure and website list all those taking part in this, the 11th annual event and highlights the seven colour-coded routes to help visitors explore.

A not for profit organisation, Perthshire Open Studios makes a significant contribution to the local economy and generates local community art and craft events throughout the year.