Your chance to get creative this summer with Skipton Open Studios

Sunday 05 June 2016

Skipton Open Studios isn't just about seeing the Island's artists at work, you can get creative yourself this year.

Whether you want to tell your story, discover who you are, or map out your home in the sand with some seaside shenanigans – there’s a whole host of interactive art projects you can get involved in this summer.

Local artists have planned a day full of seaside shenanigans on Saturday 18 June at The Lido, the newly refurbished beachside venue at Havre des Pas, and there will be workshops and beach games for all the family.

Ian Rolls wants you to bring down your bucket and spade and build a small version of your own house and garden on a giant map of Jersey (complete with parish boundaries) that he will mark out on the sand and that will grow during their day as more homes and local landmarks are added.

The whole artwork will be captured in a crowd photograph taken from above when it's all finished at about 3 pm.

Meanwhile Fenby Miskin will be making the most of the amazing art-deco architecture of The Lido and taking a new set of portraits as part of his ongoing "Snapshot in Time" series. 

Skipton Open Studios Project Manager and local photographer Fenby Miskin said: “We’ve all seen the vintage photos of people in the past frolicking and having fun at the seaside, we’ve decided that we want some of that and everyone is invited.

"The idea is just to have some good, old-fashioned fun - it’s amazing how enjoyable old-school games and activities can be when you take part.” 

Sheri Burt will be keeping the children entertained with her Element Arts workshops at 11 am and 2 pm. They are geared for children aged five to 11 who will be foraging, making and performing and combining the arts with the elements. You can book a free place here. 

The day will round off with a ticketed evening event, including a film curated by Stefan Rousseau of local indie film night Club Cinestef, original live accompanying music and a BBQ. 

You can take part in two more intimate and interactive evolving art installations the next day at Signtech in Lewis Lane in St Helier. From 10 am until 5 pm on Sunday 19 June you can share your stories and express who you really are on paper.

Artist Sarah Taylor describes The Story Exchange installation as a ‘walking collection of stories’:

“Our stories define who we are, how we see the world and ultimately how others see us. The stories we inhabit and acquire along the way become the rich tapestries that ultimately define us as individuals. Stories can move us, inspire us, amuse us or even repulse us; they can break down barriers, borders and create connections be it through joy and laughter, sadness or empathy.”

Everyone who takes part in The Who Am I? Project will 'create a collage of who they truly are, from the inside out' on life-size paper silhouettes, giving personal insights about themselves. All the silhouettes will then be displayed as part of a growing art installation.

The 2016 Skipton Open Studios is organised by the Jersey Arts Trust and starts with a taster exhibition at CCA Galleries on Thursday 16 June. Artists will then open up their studios around the Island during the weekends of 25 and 26 June and 2 and 3 July. You can find out more here.