Hampshire Open Studios returns with 300 free creative experiences

Artists and makers across Hampshire will open their doors this August, inviting visitors to explore studios, exhibitions and workshops as part of the county’s annual celebration of creativity.

For 10 inspiring days, more than 300 venues across Hampshire will open their doors free of charge, welcoming art lovers to discover the people, stories and creativity behind the county’s thriving arts scene.

Running from August 22nd-31st, Hampshire Open Studios offers the chance to explore everything from welcoming home studios and community exhibition spaces to working workshops, with more than 30 venues across Basingstoke, Alton and Petersfield taking part.

Visitors can discover an impressive variety of contemporary and traditional art forms, including painting, ceramics, jewellery, glass, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and mixed media, while meeting the artists behind the work.

“Hampshire Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes, meet artists in the places where they create, hear the stories behind their work and watch demonstrations of different creative techniques,” says Creative Director Lesley Self.

“This year’s trail includes a mix of returning favourites and new exhibitors, offering fresh opportunities to discover local talent. Visitors can enjoy everything from intimate home studios to larger shared exhibitions, with many artists happy to discuss their creative process and the inspiration behind their work.”

Around Basingstoke, visitors can explore Basingstoke Art Club’s mixed media exhibition in the historic village of Dummer, alongside nearby studios including new exhibitor Peter Mears, who will showcase sculpture, and Consuelo Simpson, who will exhibit alongside her daughter Phoebe with abstract prints and bespoke jewellery.

The area also welcomes returning favourites, including painter Jill Simpson, joined this year by wood artist Brian Hannam. Nearby glass artist Aileen Mayers will open her studio in a beautiful garden setting in Old Basing, while Sara Kirby, also new for 2026, will showcase screen-printed home textiles, gifts and accessories. Visitors can even try their hand at creativity through Sara’s workshops.

In Alton, three venues will celebrate the diversity of artistic expression, including Freedom Through Expression, which highlights creativity from artists and craftspeople with disabilities and features inspiring work from Mouth and Foot Painting artists.

Petersfield offers a wealth of venues to explore, from Loam Studio pottery and Petersfield Arts & Crafts Society at Festival Hall to Rushes Road Creative, where an entire street comes alive with artists and makers. Visitors can also discover established town venues including Sage & Salt and Gallery No. 30, visit Frans de Leij’s studio for expressive watercolours, or finish a creative day at Hampshire Art & Craft Collective in the peaceful Physic Garden.

Planning an art trail is simple, with a free full-colour catalogue or the Hampshire Open Studios app, available on Apple and Android devices. The app allows visitors to search venues by location, medium or opening date, save favourites and navigate using interactive maps.

Visitors also have the chance to win a £100 prize towards purchasing artwork from a favourite Hampshire Open Studios artist.

Simply pick up a brochure, download the app and follow the distinctive pink directional arrows guiding you to studios and exhibitions across Hampshire.

Find out more at hampshireopenstudios.org.uk.

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