ARTISTS across Hampshire will be opening their homes, studios, and galleries to exhibit their art to the public as part of a county-wide art trail. 

Hampshire Open Studios is running again after being shelved for three years due to the pandemic.

There are more than 250 venues taking part this year, from Saturday, August 20 to Monday, August 29.

A variety of art styles will be on offer, from painting and printing to ceramics and sculpture, to furniture, even jewellery and glass.

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Hampshire Open Studios 2022 has been divided into eight areas - Romsey/Stockbridge, Winchester, Andover/Newbury, Basingstoke/Alton/Petersfield, New Forest, Portsmouth, Swanmore/Botley/Chandlers Ford, Southampton – with each individual area having its own trail that visitors can follow to find the exhibitions and meet the artists face-to-face to discuss their work.

Joan Windess, part of The Monday Painters group, which is part of the Romsey/Stockbridge trail, said: “We have been waiting three years for this.”

She describes how the pandemic stopped their participation in the beloved Hampshire Open Studios trail annually. 

The Monday Painters, a group of 34 members, have been meeting for the last 30 years. They do painting, canvas, and printing.

Joan said: “We occasionally have demonstrations and workshops [from visiting artists] but mainly work on our art.

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“We do a wide variety of styles. Some quite traditional, some quite contemporary.”

“Paula Howell is the lady who started the group and has just celebrated her 90th birthday. She is still painting.”

Joan encouraged peple to get involved and join them. 

She said: “Monday Painters meet at Landford Village Hall every Monday 10am till 1pm. New members are welcome in September.”

The Monday Painters exhibition is being held at Pyesmead Farm, in Salisbury Road, Plaitford, Romsey, where there will be a range of paintings in an assortment of media, such as watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel, and pencil. It is wheelchair accessible and there is parking, and refreshments will be available available.

For more information on the Hampshire Open Studios Trail and how to participate, visit: hampshireopenstudios.org.uk