Open Studios at Second Floor Studios and Arts, 2 - 5th June 2016

After 13 years at Cockpit Arts this will be my first Open Studios at Second Floor and already it feels very different. At Cockpit it is compulsory to open and usually paid entry for visitors whereas here it is not compulsory though you are encouraged to do so if you can and it's free. As you will see on the free map that's handed out at the entrance it's a very large site with over 450 studios (though not all will be open) so come prepared to spend a little while exploring the site and the variety of talent it offers.

We have 3 cafes here, one by the entrance, one in the 'The Reach' (which is a climbing wall, you need to sign in to access it but don't worry it doesn't mean you are signed up to scale the heights!) and one with terrace overlooking the river. We are right on the waterfront with spectacular views of the Thames Barrier and the City to the west, Tate and Lyle opposite and Woolwich Ferry to the east. The Royal Iris, one of the original 3 ferries across the Mersey lies in elegant decline adjacent to the river wall..

There are various activities taking place over the weekend; families can make a willow sculpture together, adults can try their hand at printing. Second Floor Studios supports 4 local charities with a charity postcard sale where studio members donate an original artwork, which is then sold for £20 some of the entries can be seen here; http://www.artplatform.co.uk/2016/. If you are looking for an interesting course there are also many different courses on offer from welding to painting to printing at The Thames Barrier Print Studio, The London Sculpture Workshop and the Education Space http://www.secondfloor.co.uk/education-space/whatson.aspx%20 .

This year on view in my studio will be a small selection of panels for sale, work in progress and the opportunity to see the most spectacular original Victorian panel which is for sale... photos to follow...!