A community art event is set to return for its biggest ever edition when it celebrates its 20th year in September.
Swindon Open Studios (SOS) has grown from a small gathering of artists to a major fixture on the town’s cultural calendar.
This year's event will see 130 artists and craftspeople showcasing their works in 56 venues across Swindon and the surrounding areas.
The free event will unfold over the last two weekends of the month, on September 21 and 22, and 28 and 29.
It will see participating artists open their studios to the public, offering a glimpse into the creative working spaces, processes and back-catalogue pieces.
The event will present oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, mosaics, digital art, and even life-size film props.
Originally, a few artists invited family and friends but by 2004, 53 artists took part. Today, numbers have more than doubled.
Swindon's event celebrates creativity by welcoming amateur artists alongside full-time professionals.
It is a unique opportunity for artists to engage with their audience and receive feedback, and for visitors to appreciate an array of artistic creations.
Some venues offer interactive 'have a go' sessions such as pottery classes or stained glass cutting, some of which may need to be booked and paid for in advance.
Sheryll Fox, who is part of the SOS committee, said: “Swindon Open Studios is for everyone.
"It’s really accessible, plus you get to meet the artists and see where the magic happens.”
There will be 20 venues taking part in central Swindon, including Artsite, hosting 21 artists, and PodPad, featuring 19 artists.
New College will showcase an end of year show of student works including art and design, media make-up and photography.
Bare Glazed Pottery, Eastcott Studios and MAMS Gallery will all be taking part in the open event.
Local artists partaking include Sue Barnes, Victoria Carter, David Bent, Lisa Lowe, Tim Carroll, Steve Sewell, Andi Theokle, Ken White, Sholeh Jafari, Patrick Taylor, Alex Crump, Helen Savin, Carmen B Norris, Tracey Baker-Stewart, Sheena Dickens and Deepti Arora.
Several homes, studios and exhibition venues will offer light refreshments and opportunities to relax in garden spaces.
People can view the website map for details of location, disabled access and a full catalogue of all 130 participating individuals and art groups.
From mid-August, brochures will be available across Swindon in libraries, community centres, pubs and clubs.
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