This week marks the start of the 2024 edition of Oxfordshire Artweeks, three weeks of cross-county arty exploration as studios and pop-up exhibitions across Oxfordshire open up for visitors. Beginning on May 4th, over 400 venues from personal workshops to sprawling castle grounds will be accessible to the general public for free, with over 2000 creatives showcasing their work, and disciplines from painting to ceramics to millinery all on display. Each week of the festival takes place in a different area of Oxford, so we’ve gathered some highlights from each to track down:
NORTH AND WEST OXFORDSHIRE - Sat 4th May - Sun 12th May
Artweek’s first act is packed with local colour; if you’re looking for variety in your art appreciation, you can find plenty of multi-artist, multidisciplinary exhibits to choose from, like West Ox Arts Gallery’s annual showing in the Bampton Town Hall, Bicester Art Network at the Weston Manor Hotel, and sixteen creatives of Adderbury Artists exhibiting in the gorgeous Adderbury Church. Learn from expert kiln-masters with Fired Up Potters, take in intricate glasswork with Evelyn Baxter and Melissa Keskinkilinc (pictured), find unique statement pieces with jewellers like Selma Stagg, Sarah Pulverhaft and Guen Palmer, and much more.
OXFORD CITY - Sat 11th May - Sun 19th May
Moving towards the centre, there’s truly a work of art around every corner. Oxford Photographers present an eclectic portfolio of landscape, portrait, abstract and street photography projects from their members; the Bodleian Bibliographical press offers an insight into the history and impact of the printed word through its working letterpress studio; and Makespace Oxford offers a poignant and personal collection of pieces created during open art sessions with Homelessness Oxfordshire. Find prints from the Oxford Printmakers Co-Operative, Sally Ann Stewart and Paul Beesley, visit the studios of potters like Artweeks 2024 cover star Abby Mason (pictured) or take in the uniquely queer textiles of Al Hill and E West.
SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE - Sat 18th May - Mon 27th May
Heading South-side, Artweeks’ final week boasts collective arts shows from Wallingford Artists’ showcase, The Earth Trust Gallery and Oxon Artmakers, to name but a few. Fans of sculpture will appreciate a stroll through Pat Elmore’s studio garden, while embroidery and textile lovers can enjoy hand-woven scarves from Mary Lowry in Ewelme or the intricate detailing of Yvette Philips (pictured) in Blewbury. Commission a bespoke pet portrait from Mandy Reid, watch a freestyle live portrait come to life with Harriet Riddell, or learn more about the art of woodwork at Sylvia Wood School.
We’ve only scratched the surface of all Artweeks has to offer this year, but with so many incredible artists on display, now’s your chance to go exploring! Artweeks have put together a festival guide to every single exhibit, as well as handy walking trails for each individual area. Artist studios are peppered all across the county, often in their own homes, so be sure to check near you to see if you’re only a short walk away from a masterpiece.