This June sees another exciting open weekend at the Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios. Over 2 days, the public can go along and browse a wide range of original artworks and gifts and at the same time meet the local designers and makers in their studios. With over 30 artists and creatives taking part, everything from fine art; painting; ceramics; illustration; animation; fashion and textiles to photography, all handmade in the heart of Edinburgh, is on display.
Artists include Edinburgh-born printmaker Rob Stevenson Art, who transforms his photography with bold, bright colours and whose work is shaped by the cities he’s lived in and loved, blending precise imagery with the energy of larger-scale street art.
Also participating is up-and-coming wildlife artist Kirsten Mirrey whose work is inspired by the nature around her growing up. The most recent collection of work spanning the past five years has been focusing on both exotic and endangered wildlife in a highly realistic style.
The world of textiles and fashion is also covered with the work of award-winning slow fashion designer Jen Byrne. Sustainability and ethics are at the heart of her process and inform every decision while impeccable quality and attention to detail are staples of the brand. Jen’s limited-edition pieces reflect the changing landscape of a craft made using exclusively what can be found second hand or as waste textiles.
The poster for the Open Studios weekend was designed by Abbeymount-based illustrator and children’s book author Trista Yen who works digitally but picked up her painting brushes again recently to explore more possibilities of illustration.
Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studio Manager Bob Guilianotti says “We’re delighted to be opening the doors of Abbeymount to the public again for our Open Studios weekend. There’s an exciting choice of artists and makers to meet as well as the chance to explore this historic building. It’s a chance to meet our resident artists and makers as they demonstrate their work and discuss their inspirations.”
As part of the event there will also be a FREE raffle featuring exclusive prizes that include an original piece of art donated by Abbeymount Studios artists.
Full details of the Open Studios Weekend, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Out of the Blue website.
Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June
Venue: Abbeymount Studios, 2 Easter Road,
Edinburgh, EH7 5AN
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 