Artists present a site worth seeing (From Stroud News and Journal)

Artists present a site worth seeing

ARTISTS are brushing up their skills for the 9th Site Festival, with workshops, multi-media creations and open studios to whet the palette.

Over 250 local, national and international artists will show work at more than 88 sites in the Stroud Valleys throughout June.

The event is co-ordinated by Stroud Valleys Artspace, a non-profit-making organisation working to promote creativity in the area.

In this year's Open Studios, visitors can discover the work of 85 artists who live and work in the Stroud Valleys.

There will be subsidised minibus tours to Bisley, the Golden Valley, Nailsworth, Valley and Vale and Painswick, lasting three hours and costing just £3.50 for adults, £2.00 for concessions and £1.00 for children. Under 5s can travel free.

To launch the festival, organisers have put together a 'taster' show at which art connoisseurs can sample a diverse selection of the talent on offer, and decide where to go for a second helping.

The artists themselves will be at this event, which takes place at The Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud from May 28-June 30, Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm.

Jo Leahy, Director of Stroud Valleys Artspace said: "There is a really big range, from someone who just works in their kitchen to people who have enormous studios.

"I think that's why the general public like it. You get a real opportunity to meet the makers and it's a great way to know what's going on in the area."

Full details of the events are available at www.sva.org.uk or in the free brochures, which can be obtained by sending a large SAE to Stroud Valleys Artspace, Griffin Mill, London Road, Thrupp, GL5 2AZ.