Something’s going down in the Hood

THE Made in the Hood gang are back.

Hampshire Open Studios is an annual art trail where the visiting public can meet artists in their studios and galleries free of charge.

Taking place leading up to and including the bank holiday weekend, it offers a treasure trove of art and crafts to enjoy.

Hampshire is a large county, and this year the event is bigger than ever, with 290 artists taking part, so the directory is colour coded – the purple section shows Newbury to Andover, and the pink includes those towards Basingstoke. The catalogue can be found in some local venues, or you can view on line, or via an app.

Members of the local arts collective Made in the Hood come together every year for the event, and Westridge Studio in Highclere will be full of an exciting mix of crafts old and new; with basketry, bobbin wire lace, ceramics, jewellery, paintings, silks and and textiles by 10 local artists.

Erica Adams’ basketry is made from willow grown in her garden.

Christine Highnett will be showing her eco-dyed fabrics, enhanced with stitched embroidery.

Ceramics are well represented, with coil pots by Sally Courage joined by thrown ware from Jo Arkell, and scripted pieces from Teresa Munn.

The painters in the group, Jane Baikie, Pearl Hailstone, Tessa Kirby and Helen Mortimer, will be showing works in acrylics, oils, silks and mixed media.

Unique jewellery in colourful wire lace by Jane Fullman completes this year’s line up of talents.

Westridge Studio is situated in Andover Road, Highclere, RG20 9QS.

Entry is free. Access and parking off Star Lane, just look for the pink banners.

Made in the Hood’s exhibition is open from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Visit www.madeinthehood.co.uk and https://hampshireopenstudios.org.uk/ for full details