(Press Release: 17th June 2019)
The East Neuk’s artists are busy getting ready to welcome visitors to their Open Studios over the next two weekends (22nd/23rd June and 29th/30th June). Busy putting finishing touches to their artworks, and in many cases, busy transforming their studios and houses into galleries and exhibition spaces.
“There’s always a lot to do,” said Louise Stocker of East Neuk Beach Crafts. “It’s a major event in our art calendar. Artists have spent the last few months creating new artworks, and as the Open Studios approach, they are busy working out how they will best display their art. Some have permanent galleries or studios that can be used, while others need to transform rooms in their houses especially for the event.”
The trail of Open Studios is detailed in maps in the ENOS brochure, with additional directions to each studio on the ENOS website (www.eastneukopenstudios.org). It runs through the picturesque fishing villages of Crail, Cellardyke, Anstruther, Pittenweem, and St Monans, taking in the surrounding swathe of beautiful Fife countryside, with venues in Ardross (upstairs at the farm shop), Colinsburgh, Kilconquhar, Lower Largo and Comielaw (near to Kellie Castle). Participating artists also display red balloons and ENOS signs to help you find them.
Among those transforming their houses is wildlife and landscape photographer Dave Smith.
“My studio is the great outdoors, with wonderful scenery and great opportunities for wildlife photography on my doorstep. Literally, since I’m on the coastal path, looking out on the Bass Rock and Isle of May. So when it comes to the Open Studios weekends, the walls of my kitchen and front room have to become my gallery … ”
Whatever the venue – farm shop loft, studio, formal gallery or kitchen – visitors can be assured of a warm welcome. The artists of the East Neuk are eagerly awaiting your visit.