This weekend Warwickshire residents will be able to bag a bargain piece of art made by one of 20 local artists and creatives.

The Secret Studio Sale on Sunday, February 27, will see a huge array of reduced-price older stock and slight seconds - the result of the artists and makers doing a 'spring clean' of their workshops and cupboards.

Those who pop along to the charming Wren Hall, Wroxall, will find beautiful pieces by glassmakers, painters, fine jewellers, glass-makers, a cyanotype printmaker and more.

This is all unique hand-crafted work, produced by local artists and makers – with a low carbon footprint - and will appeal to those following the shop local campaign.

Furthermore, the event raises money for local charity Helping Hands Community Project.

Each artist will donate a unique piece of art to the cause.

Origins

Coventry-based artist Amanda Glanville, who co-founded Secret Studio Artists with Claire Seneviratne, from Leamington, told how she travelled up and down the country doing art fairs for more than 30 years.

At most fairs, artists' stalls, she noticed that the 'bargain box' of older work and slight seconds was always popular.

"Back in 2012, a friend mentioned an 'under the bed' sale that was happening up north.

"Each local painter/artist would submit one piece that they had hanging around, or under the bed, to be put it up in a gallery. Such a good idea!

"I also heard of artists' car boot sales in London. It set me thinking - could we do some sort of event here in Warwickshire during the traditional sale time of January or February when things are a bit dull?"

So, moving on to 2017, and thinking about what a potential audience would prefer, Amanda, now working with Claire, started to ponder the right type of venue.

"Naturally, no-one wants to do a car boot outside in the cold."

They concluded that a decent village hall with good parking would be the best way to go.

They came up with the Secret Studio name and concept, with a passing nod to Warwickshire Open Studies as they started out under the WOS umbrella.

Going online

The previous face-to-face event in Claverdon was in 2020, and a great success, but then came Covid.

Enter Knowle-based Melissa Keskinkilinc, who brought along her online marketing and social skills.

Together, they organised an online art event in February 2021, which was a runaway success, with many new followers, including buyers from America, and people tuning into Instagram live posts.

"Mind you, it's been a massive learning curve," admitted Amanda.

"And not just for us, but for all our artists. Basically, one has to keep up with all the new technology, Instagram reels, Twitter posts, Facebook chat and so on. It's a case of survival."

This spring is their first independent show and they're pulling out all the stops.

"People are desperate to get out there again, so we're hoping it will go well."

As for the event itself, it's not just about selling.

"Of course, it's madness during the first rush, but when it calms down, it's time to talk to fellow artists and swap notes and tips. We all help each other. All our artists say how much they appreciate the community and advice."

This year, there is a great mix to wow the bargain-hunters, from big-hitting international artists to newcomers.

As a bonus, cut-price art supplies will also be for sale, including paints, frames, ribbons and wool.

"It's not a craft fair," said Amanda.

"It's a reduced-price art event, offering the public the opportunity to find – and even start collecting – some great pieces, or seconds, and giving them a new home, and for the artists themselves to get some great feedback and generally mingle. Come and have a rummage!"

Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite here.

For more local events, follow this link to our What's On page!

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