Spring Ouseburn Open Studios returns this March (Sat 17 & Sun 18), offering a unique insight into the working world of artists and designer-makers across the Ouseburn. 

Inspired by International Women's Day, we're spotlighting inspirational women in the creative sectors, their skills and local success stories with a weekend that celebrates local female entrepreneurship with pop ups, workshops, demo's and open discussions. 

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THE LINEUP

Our on-site artist studios will be open across the weekend. From jewellers and photographers, to graphic designers and ceramicists, browse the working spaces of our on-site studio holders, view their collections and find out more about their work.

Our Spring Exhibition will also be in full swing; with a new collection from headline artist John Brenton and artwork from over 200 artists, designers and makers available to buy.

Saturday 17 March

SAT & SUN / Megan Randall

Megan Randall is a contemporary ceramic artist who makes large installations out of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of beautifully crafted components. Megan is inviting members of the public to join her in sculpting flowers, that will feature as part of a large floral installation in the gallery this summer for Great Exhibition of the North.

SAT & SUN / Trendlistr

Trendlistr is an online platform that specialises in curating collections of trend-led vintage for the modern woman. There'll be here across the weekend with their pop-up vintage shop. 

SAT & SUN / 2-4pm / All round Creative Junkie

Local Graphic Designer, Craft advocate and blogger, All round Creative Junkie, presents a drop in up-cycling craft session for all the family. Inspiring children and adults alike to re-use the things around us to create and save money on buying new. There’ll be card stamping using wool and wood, wrap your own initials, and pompom making plus demonstrations on how to create unique lampshades and decorative objects for the home using wool. All of the wool is from charity shops and odds and ends collected along the way. Suitable for ages 8+. 

No need to book - just drop in between 2-4pm both days. Please note: There will be a small charge for this activity.

SAT / A Woven Plane 

A start up by two women, they make good socks for women, empowering them from the feet up. Simple socks in considered colours, they are made from beautiful materials by skilled hands. Join them to browse their pop-up shop and talk about sustainable and respectful business practice.

SAT & SUN / PRINT & PRESS Artists 

Carol Nunan returns to the gallery this Spring season with new printmaking exhibition PRINT & PRESS. Featuring Carol’s own work alongside that of her printmaking students and guest tutors, PRINT & PRESS explores a range of printmaking techniques. Join us in the gallery to meet the makers behind the exhibition as they demonstrate their practice and talk about their work. 

SAT / Exhibition organiser Carol Nunan & contributing artist Wendy Boomhower are in the gallery all day to meet and greet and to talk about their exhibition and work. Carol will present her gelli-prints on paper and Wendy will demonstrate her lino cuts. 

Sunday 18 March

SUN / Block Printing / 1- 2pm & 3 - 4pm / The Crafthood 

The Crafthood is a modern craft business. Established by two local women, their aim is to encourage and engage you in craft for modern living. 

Join The Crafthood who will be sharing their love of this satisfying print technique. They’ll provide a warm inclusive welcome, a great selection of blocks, a glorious array of colour options, an information sheet, support and demos. You'll have the chance to practise and gain confidence before moving on to create your own piece that you'll get to take home. You'll print your very own tote bag - the design and colours of your choosing. A great way to spend an hour - learn a new accessible skill and take home a very useful item for modern eco-friendly living.

£12 pp | Book your place here

SUN / PRINT & PRESS Demo

SUN / Carol Nunan, Diana Fitzpatrtick and Charley Hunt will be available all day to talk about printmaking and demonstrate their practice.  

10-12pm / Chris Daunt is on hand to talk about printmaking and to show off printmaking tools. Sharon Loddey will be presenting her sketchbooks, the starting process of her printmaking. 

2-4pm / Carol Nunan will demonstrate gelli-plate printing on fabric.

2-4pm / Michelle Kinniment will demonstrate free machine embroidery.