The weekend of the 8^th-9^th July saw the Barn, for the second time, host a number of local artists intent on showcasing their works as a part of this year’s Cambridge Open Studios.

Building on the success of last year (which saw the works of more than a dozen artists viewed by over 170 visitors) 12 artists again set up shop at the barn. The works displayed were very varied and provided lots of interest to a record number of visitors – over 230 across the two days.

Reasonable weather and a selection of home-made refreshments and cold drinks all helped make for a pleasant and rewarding time for all who came. In addition to the art on display, there was a demonstration of basketry and some ‘plein air’* watercolour painting done onsite. There was also a lot of interest in the medieval barn and its history.

Many people commented how much they enjoyed the event and admired the suitability of the barn as a venue. One visitor added that, for those who like to visit a number of artists over Open Studios fortnight, it was a lovely, relaxing experience to have so many artists grouped together. The ease of access for wheelchair users also was complimented.

This year’s participating artists were: Carole Ellison and Danusia Kielar (watercolour paintings, mostly landscapes), Rob Ellis (watercolour portraits), Colen Lumley and Andrew Oliver (oil paintings), Louis Marek (photography), Manda Barnes (works using resin and driftwood), Geraldine Poore (fine art basketry, demonstrated techniques on the Saturday), Steve Anderson (playful sculptures and mobiles), John Stephenson (life drawings), Mary B Fraser (mixed media: calligraphy and printmaking) and Melanie Hale (oil paintings, printmaking).

A total of 12 works were sold with Mary Fraser’s work proving particularly popular. We are already looking forward to hosting artists again for COS 2024!

* ‘Plein Air’ painting, the act of painting a landscape like a sitting portrait, with the artist able to better capture the changing light, weather and atmosphere. Go to https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pleinair-painting to learn more.