Drawn to the Valley

1-5 August

Drawn to the Valley Summer Exhibition

It’s a busy time for the artists of Drawn to the Valley, with not one, not two, but three major events drawing artists to the town, country and capital, with the collective’s first ever exhibition in London.

First up is the Drawn to the Valley annual Summer Exhibition at Tavistock Town Hall when dozens of artists from the 160-strong group will be exhibiting, from painters and mixed media artists to ceramicists and metal artists.

22-30 September

Drawn to the Valley Open Studios

That’s followed by Open Studios, which attract thousands of visitors each year. For nine days in September, the area will be dotted with little yellow sign-posts, all pointing to almost 100 Drawn to the Valley art studios, just waiting to be explored. Among those taking part are acrylics and pen and ink artist Sally O’Neill from Coryton, and ceramicist Abbie Gardiner from Tavistock, who are also showing their work at the Tavistock Exhibition. You’ll find Sally’s garden studio in Drawn to the Valley’s cluster of West Dartmoor Villages, most of which can be visited on the same day, taking in a picturesque drive. Then there are the clusters of studios that can be visited on foot, like the ones in Tavistock. Take a walk to Abbie’s studio at the top of her garden and you’ll be rewarded with a chat over a cuppa – and the chance to see her wonderful ‘function-meets-sculpture’ pieces. It’s also possible to take in both town and country on the same day: Sally’s studio is just a 15-minute drive from Abbie’s. Sally is also one of 36 Drawn to the Valley artists who have been ‘Drawn to London’ for the group’s first exhibition in the capital, which takes place at the Royal Opera Arcade Gallery in Pall Mall on 21 -27 October. Visit www.drawntothevalley.co.uk for details of events including artists, venues and opening times.