artists, studios, Hampshire, a mess
my headache has now just about gone, but I have a rant, and it has been lurking for a few days and is getting worse, so I must put it on here!
As many of you know a couple of years ago I took part in what was called then, Hampshire Artists. Now it has been re-named Hampshire Open Studios to match the rest of the other schemes around the country. You may be aware that I think the organisation of the project is pretty awful, and unfortunately I do not think it has the credentials of other Open Studios schemes.
But this year I have been disappointed as a buyer, not an exhibitor, which is so much worse.
Firstly the brochure is terrible to read and understand, just awful, no design goes into it, and it is extremely illogical, but I guess you could just say that is my taste.
But looking through the brochure, and looking for an artist I have visited before, I come to a page and find this,
I just feel that this is so rude and uncalled for, why do this, is it to humiliate that person, as of course they know who they are. Having worked with printers for many years, I know that this was unnecessary as that could have been entered very late in the day, or something else could have been placed there instead. So there is the first part, the second part happened on Saturday.
We went to look at an artist who I have never managed to go to in previous years, a ceramist, I love ceramics, I wish I could try it, some of my most favorites and treasured pieces of art are ceramics, so to see this lady, who has a great reputation was to be a treat.
So we drive the 15 miles, get to the location and find that it is shut, not to be put off, and slightly annoyed that I have wasted my time, I ring the number given in the brochure. I speak to the woman, she tells me she is shut, and she will not be opening at all! No apologies for my wasted journey, no reason, nothing.
Now I know there could be a perfectly good and valid reason, but none was offered, nothing, and that upset me, this woman is not a first time exhibitor, she knows that people do travel long distance to see artists, especially well known ones. I know that is considers herself to be one of these as she told my mother in law a couple of years ago!
It really put a downer on it for me, because not only does she spoil it for herself, but probably for other artists too, because if someone goes to her, as the first person to visit, are they going to carry on driving all over the county, will they think that everyone will be like that?
I had thought about maybe trying to do it again, when both of the boys are settled, but after this time I really have to call into question why anyone would want to be involved with such a process.
BUT! We did go and see some ceramists and a textile artist, and they were fab, really friendly, a lovely studio, and it was great! So if you live in Hampshire, do try to see at least one person this coming week, because you might see one that really makes it worth your while! I got these, and they are lovely : )
And also they were very reasonably priced, if you are interested I will send you the details, but all I have is an e-mail address which I don’t really want to put on here!
25th August 2008 @ 2:57 pm
I can’t believe that’s what they wrote! How rude!
25th August 2008 @ 3:40 pm
This is a real turn-off. Who the heck would OK this? The organization needs to be overthrown by people with class and tact.
26th August 2008 @ 1:21 am
That is so rude and rather than reflecting on the artist it reflects on the scheme. I love it when I see an open studio as it fascinates me to talk to designer makers but really annoying when it doesn’t work out. So when do you open your studio?!
26th August 2008 @ 11:52 am
That seems such a spiteful and vengeful thing to do doesn’t it? Perhaps Hampshire artists need to rebel – that’s a horrible way to treat anyone. But, I don’t think Hampshire is alone in slightly chaotic Open Studios events. In the past we’ve chased around the county and found studios shut. It’s made worse when you live on the borders of two counties so you get to compare the organisation of these events. Some visits have been wonderful. People have put a lot of effort in, to make you feel welcome. Slide shows running on laptops of thier work and processes involved. One lady had even put balls and other outside type toys out in the garden to occupy the children. I really like those buttons. I can imagine a LOT of uses for those.
26th August 2008 @ 8:14 pm
I think the person who allowed this insulting unhelpful page to be put into the booklet is shooting themselves in the foot. And of course so is the grumpy potter.
One of my friends volunteers at a very well known charity and the manageress names and shames volunteers who don’t leave enough change in the float.
This is why I avoid organized groups.
Maybe headache permitting you should organize a revolt?
26th August 2008 @ 9:44 pm
hi, how funny… i picked up the brochure yesterday but did not notice this and have just happened upon it whilst bloghopping and landing here on your site.
i was shocked but sadly not surprised to read the 169 entry as i have dealt with the organisers of the Hampshire scheme before having taken part twice in the past and was on the receiving end of utter rudeness and unhelpfullness 3 years ago.
Sorry to hear you drove all that way and the venue was shut. That’s so annoying. On the whole these open studios which take place all over now i believe, are a great way for artists and craftspeople to show their work and are a fantastic opportunity to meet with other artist and makers. it’s a shame that some folk spoil it for the rest… i hope this won’t put people off going as it really is worth it. Would you do it again?
29th August 2008 @ 9:31 am
Goodness how horrible. That artist could have had any number of reasons for being “late” or whatever and the person who wrote that ought not to be in contact with the public!!! It’s a shame about the “shut” artist. Although a huge dissapointment for you – and no doubt others, the only person who will suffer for her rudeness is her because people wont include her in future visits and perhaps will exclude her on hearsay too. I don’t understand the mentality myself but it takes all sorts to make a world! Glad the day was made up in other ways.
29th August 2008 @ 11:04 pm
Just wanted to say hello after you left your web address in our visitors book – we are the ceramics/textiles studio you visited, and the buttons you bought were mine; the tea light holder are by Caroline the lady I share the studio with. It was lovely of you to take the time to put them on your page and we’re both glad you’re pleased with them -it’s always nice to know that someone likes your stuff (even buttons!). Love your bags – I think the designs are of spoons, but then I love spoons as I’m sure you noticed at the studio! When you came in you met our friend who does the textiles, but it looks as though you are only down the road, so feel free to come back to meet us. We are there as often as possible and are always happy to take a coffee break. I don’t know much about the organisation of the open studios, but this is our first try at it as we only moved into the studio in April. But the great thing for us has been meeting so many local people with a myriad of talents. If you would like to pop in again for a chat then e-mail me for a telephone number and I can let you know when we’re there. Thanks again.