10 Plymouth artists and studios to discover during Devon Open Studios 2026
Ever wondered what actually happens behind the doors of an artist’s studio? This September, you can find out.
From 12–20 September, Devon Open Studios returns, with more than 350 artists and makers across the county inviting people into their studios, workshops and creative spaces. Here in Plymouth, there are plenty of opportunities to meet local artists, discover work in progress and explore some of the fascinating spaces where the city’s art is made.
And you don’t need to be an art expert or arrive intending to buy anything. Open Studios is about curiosity. It’s a chance to look through sketchbooks, see experiments and unfinished pieces, find out how different artists work and have a conversation with the people behind the work.
As Plymouth Culture’s Community Reporter Victoria Lammie finds out, with painters, ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, blacksmiths and makers taking part, it’s a brilliant way to spend a September day exploring another side of Plymouth’s creative culture.
Devon open studios has more than 350 artists and makers opening their studios and creative spaces across the region. Plymouth has an array of artists sharing their studio spaces and work in progress to the general public.
Walking into an artists studio can sometimes feel daunting. There's an association, it's like a gallery which can often be very quiet and sometimes quite formal. But an artist's studio is the absolute opposite, a studio is where it all happens. It’s a place where artists practice their craft, experiment with ideas, make mistakes and often have unfinished work that has been cast to one side. There may also be recently completed pieces of work on display, sketchbooks dotted around, even a chance to see the artist at work! The nervousness that people have about visiting an open studio is that they are perhaps expected to purchase something. But this is not the case, in fact it's the complete opposite. Visiting open studios is a chance to view work in progress, find out about artists whose work you have never encountered, experience the life of an artist and even talk to an artist about what they are currently working on. It’s a treasure trove of creativity!
Kate Farmery, President at Devon Artist Network, said:“Devon Open Studios is one of the most uplifting moments in the county’s creative year, when artists and makers open their doors and invite the public in for a proper look at where ideas take shape. Across Plymouth and its surrounding villages, visitors can step inside studios, workshops and creative spaces to meet painters, potters, printmakers, jewellers and textile artists working in every imaginable medium. Getting involved is simple: studio visits are free, guides are widely available and many Plymouth studios sit closely together, making it easy to plan a route and make a day of it. It’s a chance to support local creativity while exploring the city’s cultural neighbourhoods.
Devon Artist Network is the artist-led organisation behind Devon Open Studios and the largest network of artists and makers in the county. Our role is to champion the breadth of creativity found across Devon - including Plymouth's growing community of contemporary artists, craftspeople and emerging talent. We connect artists with audiences, provide practical support and professional development and create the framework that allows events like open studios to thrive. In doing so we help sustain the creative energy that shapes Plymouth's cultural life, giving local artists visibility, confidence and a welcoming platform to share their work with the public”.
Amy Whittington, Artist and Administrator Flameworks, said: “Flameworks have taken part in Devon Open Studios for a few years now, it’s a great event that brings new people through the door and connects them to our community of artists and makers. Flameworks is a hidden gem in Plymouth, a huge warehouse with 23 artists studios and even though it's been at 7 Richmond walk since 2000, we still get locals saying they didn’t know it was here. We aren’t open to the public, we take Devon Open Studios as an opportunity to get the whole community of artists involved, and showcase what happens in this tardis of a workshop. This year there are ten makers taking part. Showcasing a range of heritage and contemporary crafts including blacksmithing, ceramics, canvas bags, stained glass, lamp working and jewellery. We are delighted there are more venues joining Devon Open Studios this year in Plymouth and they have contributed towards a Plymouth Open Studios map so there’s more to see when you come to town”.
Erica Luke, Plymouth based Artist, said: "This will be the first time I’m taking part in Devon Open Studios, and I’m really excited to share my work and processes with visitors. I’m more often than not working on my artwork alone, so I think it’s going to be valuable to hear people’s thoughts on my work, especially on projects that are still in progress. Plymouth has such a vibrant community of artists doing so much great work, often in a grassroots way. There's a lot of inspiration that can be found in the city and the surrounding areas. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of that creative ecosystem”.
Plymouth Artists - Devon Open Studios:
Flameworks - flameworks.org
Erica Luke - ericaluke.com
Sarah Smalldon - sarahsmalldon.com
Polly Plouviez - @pplouviez
Gay Kent - @gaykentartist
Sylvia Hofflund - silviahofflund.com
Fi Smart - fismart.co.uk
Megan Hall - meganhall.co.uk
Marianne Sturtridge - @sturtridgestudio
Judy Harington - Judyharington.com
For further information about Devon Artist Network Open Studios please visit their website:
https://openstudios.devonartistnetwork.co.uk/
