There has long been a tremendous talent pool of visual artists in Cowal, but until the inauguration of the Cowal Open Studios last year there was only informal cooperation between the artists. Many work from a studio at home, often in the most beautiful, and sometimes apparently inaccessible places, so encouraging visitors – local and tourists – is not always an easy task.

Last year a group of 29 artists got together to promote an artists’ trail around Cowal. Incorporating workshops, exhibitions and artist talks, with the ability to visit artists’ studios, the events were clearly a great success with more than 1300 visitors over the weekend – and quadrupled their email mailing list.

A Homecoming  2009 grant means that Cowal Open Studios (COS) will be able to continue the project this year and greatly expand the marketing of Cowal outside the area. Jean Donaldson, Chair of Cowal Open Studios says: ‘Last year half of the visitors over the weekend lived outside Cowal, so the weekend clearly had a positive impact on local tourism and business, quite apart from being of benefit to the artists involved.

‘The grant we have received from Argyll and Bute Council and Leader as part of their investment in Homecoming 2009 will make all the difference. We will be able to produce more directories and programmes of events that can be more widely distributed through tourist offices, hotels and so on. But the grant will also buy us some time to look at expanding the potential for further workshops and exhibitions, and maybe even artists’ conferences and networking events.’

By linking visits to studios with Cowal’s outstanding landscape, COS believe that Open Studios offers a very worthwhile addition to the Cowal events calendar. ‘So many of our artists take their inspiration from what they see around them, so the paintings and photographs we display help to promote the area in themselves,’ says Jean.

Like most artists, this group is clearly not all about business or making a fast buck. There is a genuine enthusiasm that emanates from Jean – a keenness clearly shared by the other artists to demystify art; to make it more accessible and non elitist. Seeing art in its place of origin and not in a ‘museum’ setting adds to the power and to the appreciation of the work.

What may be less obvious to the public is the value of such a co-operative venture to the artists themselves. Working alone in a studio can be quite isolating, both on the business and personal front. Regular get-togethers for the studios involved in COS provides a good social and fun base for mutual self-help.

In an informal environment, the artists share ideas and visions for the future. The fact that ten more local artists and galleries have come on board for the 2009 programme is testament to the perception that this idea’s time has come and that collaboration is the way forward.

When Jean was asked to summarise last year’s events, it was not a business result she emphasised. While admitting the hard work and time commitment involved, what shone out was the fact that ‘it was a fabulous, joyful weekend. We have had tremendous feedback from artists, locals and tourists. So many people have told us that they want to come again and visit more studios that we are quietly confident about 2009 and beyond’.

If all the results of Argyll and Bute’s investment in Homecoming 2009 are as positive as this, we could be at a tipping point in people’s idea of what this area is all about.

Cowal Open Studios runs from September 25th to 28th but there will be an informal meeting and Burn’s Supper on 24th January at the Creggans Inn, Strachur. Those interested in being involved will get more details from Jean Donaldson:

• by email at: info@cowalopenstudios.co.uk
• or by phone on: 01369 860099.

Reporter: Mark Morpurgo

The images accompanying this feature are, from the top:

• Phillipa Elliott, photographer: Boat Reflections
• Pam Glennie: work in progress
• Tom Butcher, ceramicist: Square Mugs