The Pentlands Open Studios big Art Trail weekend finished on Sunday the 16th of August. As one of the founders and organisers I was extremely proud of the event this year. Our total number of visitors was up by 40% and people had an amazing time at all 12 of our venues with 24 selected and wonderful artists. I want to thank all the volunteers we had this year that helped the event run smoothly, particularly those who helped me in my studio: Liz, Louise, Gail and Beatrice with a particular shout out to Harry, my intern.
The core organising team are me, John Elliott, Ron Burnett and Jaqueline Watt.
I was incredibly busy at Venue Number 6, so apologies if I didn’t get a chance to speak to you but I love this opportunity to talk to people and find out what my artworks really mean to you. When people are moved to the point of tears by what I make, it makes all those lonely hours in the studio worthwhile.
Anything you buy from me makes a huge difference, even if it is only a greetings card, so another huge thank you to my collectors for enabling me to keep making art. It is an expensive business.
If you couldn’t come during the weekend, I am always happy to welcome anyone to the studio by appointment. Just reply to this email.
My next big adventure is a collaboration with a digital artist who is creating an augmented reality artwork for inside the niche in this Reliquary sculpture of mine. Max, from Meadow and myself will be exhibiting the results at the Saatchi Gallery in ‘Digitalism’ which is part of The British Art Fair , the fair for modern and contemporary British Art, 24th to the 27th of September 2026.
If you came to the studio over the weekend you saw this with a Pepper’s Ghost illusion of a flying blue butterfly in a glass dome inside the niche. That was a highlight in my studio and got a lot of gasps and oohs and wows.
Thank you also to all of you who follow my work and take the time to read this. I hope you can come to our Open Studios next year.
Gill Walton VPSSA VAS 