www.ouseburnopenstudios.org

Welcome! The last weekend in November sees the return of the much-anticipated Ouseburn Open Studios and this year s weekend promises to be bigger and better than ever before! The studios in the Ouseburn Valley are home to a wide range of creative people including artists, jewellery and furniture makers, graphic designers and printmakers. This weekend offers the rare opportunity to chat to studio holders about their work and learn what goes on behind their studio doors. It s also a great chance to talk about commissions and there is always a wide variety of work on offer to buy, adding a touch of sparkle to the tedium of Christmas shopping.

What s on? This year we welcome a new addition to the weekend; the recently established Biscuit Tin Studios will join The Biscuit Factory Studios, Cobalt, Foundry Lane Studios, 36 Lime Street, Mushroom Works, Northern Print and RASKL, meaning that over 200 artists from the Ouseburn Valley will open their studio doors to welcome the public into their working environment. Many of the studios taking part are hosting workshops, demonstrations, family activities and other events. With so much to do and see at Ouseburn Open Studios, how do you choose where to go first? Check out our centre pages to help you decide! For more details see individual studio pages, and don t forget to check online for up-to-date news of what s on where at www.ouseburnopenstudios.org. Getting around In the lead up to this year s weekend, visitors will be able to follow goings-on across the valley via twitter and facebook, and for those who like to know exactly where they re going, we have set up a google My Maps page to help plan out routes ahead. For those who prefer to take it a little easier, there s a free hop-on, hop-off bus service to get to and from each of the venues (look for the bus stops or ask inside the venues; buses will be running throughout the open-weekend). What do you think? This year we want to know what you like best about Ouseburn Open Studios, so as to help us improve the event, year on year. Please help us by completing and returning our visitor evaluation cards which can be found at all studios and on the website. To help you help us, all completed forms will be entered into a prize draw where the winner will receive dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast for two at Hotel Du Vin. Thank you Special thanks to Arts Council England, North East and Newcastle City Council for their support and enthusiasm in helping to make Ouseburn Open Studios possible each year. Thanks also to Mushroom Works CIC for coordinating the event and to Hotel Du Vin for their generosity.

Buying Art...Newcastle is not a large city, but it is a surprisingly creative city and Ouseburn is Newcastle s creative heart. Ouseburn is not about the exclusive, hyper inflated art world of Damien Hirst s diamond skulls, it s where you can find a real mix of work from local and new talent at a range of prices to tempt all buyers. In a world dominated by the mass produced, it s nice to find things that are unique, different and have a story behind them. Be it something for your house or a gift for Christmas, if you know how it was made and have often met and talked to the person that created it, it makes that item so much more special... Phil Coverdale, Managing Director of Cravens and regular visitor to Ouseburn Open Studios. How to Buy Art There are several ways in which you can buy art during the weekend. Direct from the artist s studio This is the most popular way to buy work during the weekend.* Commission a new work If you like an artist s work but not any particular example that s available during the weekend, you can speak to the artist and commission a new piece bespoke to your requirements. Buy from the gallery Several of the studios in the Ouseburn Valley also have a gallery open to the public with works for sale. Own Art This is an interest free loan scheme. Several of the studios taking part in the weekend offer the Own Art Scheme as a method of payment. Own Art is designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to own high quality contemporary works of art and craft. Ask at one of the venues for an Own Art leaflet. *Ideally bring cash or cheques, as most artists don t have access to card facilities.

Biscuit Factory Studios Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN T 07544 587142 / E karentait99@gmail.com Preview Friday 6pm - 9pm Saturday 10am - 5pm / Sunday 11am - 5pm Free glass of mulled wine to greet guests + Special Christmas Prize Draw + Music by George Welch + Workshops see website for details + Interactive Children s Activities The Biscuit Factory Studios houses an independent eclectic mix of artists and makers. Situated below the main gallery spaces and spread over two floors there are nearly 20 studios boasting a diverse range of practitioners producing high quality painting, prints, photography, glass, jewellery and more. Throughout the weekend visitors will be able to enjoy a free glass of mulled wine, visit the artists studios, see work in progress and have the opportunity to buy unique and affordable Christmas gifts. There will be the chance for some hands-on activities through workshops with Bernadette Koranteng and Fiona Ross. Entertainment will be provided with music by local legend, George Welch and a chance to enter our Christmas prize draw. This year the artists are delighted to have the opportunity to invite you to join them for a glass of wine at their preview evening on Friday 27 th November 6pm - 9pm.

Biscuit Tin Studios Warwick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1BB T 07736 070079 / E devansfurniture@hotmail.com Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5pm Workshop demonstrations + Interactive workshops + Family friendly atmosphere + Refreshments The Biscuit Tin Studios, situated just around the corner from their sister studios in the Biscuit Factory is a new venue. A work in progress containing 40 studios which house an exciting and ever growing mix of both new and established creative ventures producing paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass and photography. The diverse variety of practitioners working in the studios ensures that all tastes are catered for. During this year s Open Studios weekend there will be a wide variety of work on show as well as a chance to meet and talk to the designers, makers, artists, photographers and sculptors responsible. Come along and discover first hand where, why and how they create their work.

Cobalt 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP T 07970 294132 / E studio@gavinmarshall.co.uk Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Wanderlove café + Children s area Established in 2000, Cobalt studios were founded by four designer-makers. We currently house eight artists who work in a variety of ways from film, installations and bespoke commissions to drawings and limited edition prints. In addition to providing creative studio space and pooling resources, Cobalt aims to take creative practices out of isolation and generate a forum for dialogue, events and collaborations. Open Studios sees the return of the Wanderlove café, providing a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy some good quality refreshments in a creative atmosphere. This will include a children s area and the opportunity to play games. Cobalt artists and invited guests will exhibit a range of work in a variety of materials, providing the perfect opportunity for people to explore our building and discover what goes on there.

Foundry Lane Studios Foundry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LH T 0191 287 2161 / E info@xsitearchitecture.co.uk Private View Friday 6pm - 9pm Saturday11am - 5pm / Sunday 11am - 4pm Foundry Lane Studios is a former print works that was converted in May 2006 into a series of spaces for creative companies and artists. Just over the footbridge from the Cluny these studios now offer accommodation to a variety of practices ranging from graphics to architecture. Morph Creative is a multidisciplinary company combining imagination and technical skills to deliver original, functional design solutions for print and web. xsite is an architectural and cultural agency, working in architecture, interiors, art and events. DGB Events is a company specialising in the creation, production and safety managements of innovative events such as the Green Festival and Durham Enlightenment. Also located at Foundry Lane Studios are Cultural Consultancies Alison Robson and Brinkburn Music. There are currently two in-house artists, Journal & Culture award winner, Alex Charrington who will be exhibiting prints, drawings and paintings following on from his recent exhibition in the Northern Print Biennale and Nick Kennedy who will exhibit new art works as part of a three month residency at xsite. Work will be available to view and buy, with artists and designers on hand to chat. www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk

36 Lime Street Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ T 07544 587142 / E info@36limestreet.co.uk Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday 10am - 6pm Admission 1.50 / OAP 1 / Under 18s FREE Workshops & demonstrations (See website for details) + Live music Scrumptious food + Grand Art raffle Painting, Glass, Printmaking, Jewellery, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography, Furniture, Mosaic, Chinese watercolour, Music, Clocks, Drawing, Theatre, Puppets, Design, Gallery, Workshops and Demonstrations. 36 Lime Street first opened its doors to the public at their original Open Studios event in 1997 with four artists. Today after 12 years, this has grown to over 40. Nowhere else in the region will you find such a diverse group of professional artists, makers and designers. 36 Lime Street is established as one of the best studio groups in the North East with some of the most renowned, creative and imaginative artists having a reputation for quality, variety and originality. Open on Friday and over the weekend, visit 36 Lime Street studios for a stimulating day out. Meet artists in their studios and discuss the origins of their ideas and inspirations. See a free demonstration - a great opportunity to observe professional artists at work. Do a free workshop; your chance to be creative and try it yourself. Buy a unique gift. Commission a piece of work. Live music, scrumptious food and a warm welcome throughout the weekend at 36 Lime Street. www.36limestreet.co.uk

Where do I start?! With so much to do and see, how do you choose where to go first? We asked each venue to pick one special feature about their event to help you plan your own exciting weekend!

Friday Preview Biscuit Factory Studios - 6-9pm This year the artists are delighted to have the opportunity to open their studios for a preview evening. Come and join us for a glass of wine and explore the studios. New Venue for 2009: Biscuit Tin Studios The newest member of the Ouseburn Open Studios Group, Biscuit Tin Studios is the sister group of Biscuit Factory Studios and home to a diverse range of practitioners. 25% Discount on Glass Cobalt / Saturday & Sunday Gavin Marshall will be offering 25% discount on all orders placed over the weekend for photographs on glass, as part of his new product range for 2009. Meet the Team Foundry Lane Studios Foundry Lane Studios is a young cluster of creative companies in the heart of the Ouseburn. Ranging from graphics and events to art and architecture, they work independently and collaboratively to generate great ideas. Pop in for a flavour of what they do. New Friday Opening 36 Lime Street / 10am - 4pm 36 Lime Street is opening its doors early this year! An extra day to enjoy demonstrations, workshops and visit studios. 20x20 for 20 Mushroom Works Original artwork that won t break the bank! Now considered an Open Studio tradition, Mushroom Works will be offering the fantastic opportunity to purchase artworks (measuring 20cm by 20cm) by leading North East artists for the special price of 20. Perfect for unique Christmas gifts. Family Printmaking Activities Northern Print Northern Print welcomes children. There are ink pads and all manner of animal stamps in the gallery to delight the younger artists as well as hands-on printmaking activities in the studio for everyone to try. Come along and enjoy the inky atmosphere. Live Design Sessions RASKL / Saturday & Sunday You are invited to sit with one of RASKL s designers and talk through a concept for your ideal piece of furniture. Using 3D design software, the designer will draw up the piece live on a big screen, allowing you to watch your idea come to life right in front of your eyes.

Mushroom Works St Lawrence Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1AR T 0191 224 4011 / E info@mushroomworks.com Preview Friday 6pm - 8pm Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Affordable artwork by some the region s most successful artists (20x20s = artworks for 20) + a café + Own Art and credit card facilities Mushroom Works is fast establishing itself as the most eclectic, interesting collection of artists and designer-makers in the North East. Since it opened in January 2005 Mushroom Works has been home to a diverse range of creatives, including furniture designer-makers, product designers, painters, animators, illustrators and jewellery makers. Come along and roam the building, meet the artists, get hands on and watch demonstrations. And when you ve done all that, sit down with a cup of tea and a slice of cake or grab a colouring pencil and fill in one of our children s fun packs. There s plenty to do regardless of interests or age. Mushroom Works newly refurbished gallery is open to the public five days a week offering an exciting and vibrant programme of exhibitions, special events and courses. www.mushroomworks.com

Northern Print Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NP T 0191 261 7000 / E enquiry@northernprint.org.uk Preview Friday 6pm - 8pm Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Activities and behind-the-scenes 11am - 4pm Browse and buy original artwork + Go behind the scenes and meet the artists + Talk to the team to find out more about the studio and classes + Take part in family printmaking activities + Enjoy our refreshments + Own Art and credit card facilities available Northern Print is the place for printmaking in the North East. Located in the heart of the Ouseburn, this welcoming venue houses both a gallery and studio dedicated to printmaking. This small and beautiful exhibition space is open all year and showcases the very best in contemporary printmaking from regional and international artists. As well as the gallery there is a fully-equipped printmaking studio and a programme of classes and courses. All in all this makes it the perfect place to see, enjoy and buy what s new in printmaking with original artworks from over 120 regional, national and international artists. For this weekend only Northern Print are giving behind-the-scenes access to the print studio to see the presses in action and meet some of the artists who work here. It s your chance to find out what makes a print an original work of art and why they are so collectable. You can also try your hand at printmaking by making your own print to take away. This activity is fun for all and children are welcome. It is also a good opportunity for those interested in learning printmaking or joining the studio to find out more about what s on offer throughout the year. www.northernprint.org.uk

RASKL Ford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1NW T 0191 275 9900 / E info@raskl.co.uk Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm RASKL is a unique team of designer-engineers specialising in the production of exciting and innovative lifestyle products; deluxe furniture, fittings and custom design solutions. We won t compromise our designs for complacency or standardisation of manufacture. Similarly, if you have an idea we will find a way to realise it without worrying about design complications or practical constraints. The results are fresh, unique, quirky and a joy to live with. Based in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, all of our products are hand-made to spec in our modern workshop. If you need something made, no matter how unconventional, give us a call. We specialise in the weird and wonderful so if off the shelf just doesn t cut it, we can help. Various pieces will be on display in our showroom including some of our stylish kitchen and giftware. www.raskl.co.uk

Valley Map Local Amenities Public Houses Great food and drink, a warm atmosphere and live music are all available in the Valley s fantastic pubs. Parking Various free and pay for parking is situated throughout the valley. Public Transport Quaylink Buses If you re coming from Newcastle city centre look for the QuayLink bus - route Q2 from Haymarket will bring you down to the Ouseburn Valley. You can either get off at the end of Lime Street for 36 Lime Street or Walker Road for Mushroom Works. Metro Stations Manors and Byker metro are both located within walking distance from Ouseburn Valley. Event Features FREE Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Service Getting you to and from each of the venues throughout the open-weekend. Exhibition Work from studio residents and friends Workshop / Demonstration Creative activites and learning for all ages Refreshments Meals, snacks and drinks for all the family Live Music Sounds to keep you entertained

Venue Information Biscuit Factory Studios Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN T 07544 587142 / E karentait99@gmail.com Preview Friday 6pm - 9pm / Saturday 10am - 5pm / Sunday 11am - 5pm Biscuit Tin Studios Warwick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1BB T 07736 070 079 / E devansfurniture@hotmail.com Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5pm Cobalt 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP T 07970 294132 / E studio@gavinmarshallglass.co.uk Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Foundry Lane Studios Foundry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LH T 0191 287 2161 / E info@xsitearchitecture.co.uk Private View Friday 6pm - 9pm / Saturday11am - 5pm / Sunday 11am - 4pm 36 Lime Street 36 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ T 07507 754947 / E info@36limestreet.co.uk Friday 10am - 4pm / Saturday & Sunday 10am - 6pm Admission 1.50 / OAP 1.00 / Under 18s free Mushroom Works St Lawrence Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1AR T 0191 224 4011 / E info@mushroomworks.com Preview Friday 6pm - 8pm / Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Northern Print Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NP T 0191 261 7000 / E enquiry@northernprint.org.uk Preview Friday 6pm - 8pm / Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm RASKL Ford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1NW T 0191 275 9900 / E info@raskl.co.uk Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm Ouseburn Open Studios 2009 is generously supported by Arts Council England, North East, Byker Ouseburn Regeneration Team and Newcastle City Council. For more information about the event and the individual studio groups, please visit our website: www.ouseburnopenstudios.org Designed by Supanaught / Printed by Studio Print