Bucks Open Studios, the largest visual arts event in Buckinghamshire, has chosen one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s former West End leading ladies, Susannah Fellows, to take charge of its annual artistic extravaganza, which takes place between June 10 & 25 this year.
Susannah will oversee the event which showcases more than 500 artists and makers who open up their studios to the public for two weeks with an impressive line-up of free demonstrations, hands-on workshops and exhibitions in more than 200 venues across Buckinghamshire.
Susannah has spent her life in professional theatre, film, television, radio and on the concert stage, clocking up leading roles in 21 West End shows including Evita, Chicago and Mamma Mia.
She also has impressive “art world” credentials having owned and run a Craft’s Council selected gallery in London for several years alongside her theatre work. She now runs “fitch & fellows” gallery in Thame, featuring her own handmade leatherwork as well as ceramics, glass, jewellery and contemporary art and craftwork by celebrated craftsmen and women.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been chosen as the new chairperson for Bucks Open Studios," she said.
"I really look forward to introducing new visitors to this great event. The wealth of artists and makers in our county, responsible for the vast array of work which is shown and sold to the public each year, is astonishing.
"We have so much talent here and, quite simply, I would like to see Bucks Open Studios become the best known and most successful of all the countrywide art and craft events. My upbringing and professional life has always been in the arts.
"I’ve grown up producing as well as appreciating and interpreting the diversity of creative endeavour – acting, singing, dance as well as painting, sculpture, carving, silversmithing, ceramics - I love the challenge of trying to help newcomers to understanding how and why artists and makers do what they do, what’s involved in their techniques and, perhaps, explaining the intention of their work to the public.
"I don’t think there is a mystique to these things. Creativity is about communication and artwork can and must be presented in a commercial fashion without detracting from the integrity of the piece”.
Bucks Open Studios is now open for entries from artists and makers in Buckinghamshire wanting to participate this year.
If you are a Bucks based professional or amateur, artist or maker then step up. IN 2016 the public made more than 35,000 visits to Bucks Open Studios, making it a great opportunity to showcase your work and skills as well as network with 500+ like-minded creative people.
Information and details about the application process can be found on the website here
