Courtyard Artists´Studios – Irvine
Once again, this is going to be a rather short blog. It’s been a good week but not one in which there is too much to write about. I’ve spent most of my time down at the studio, for the most part painting but also sorting out a few studio issues. Anita and I took on the ‘job’ of studio reps at the Courtyard Studios back in May. For the most part there’s not that much to do, but one thing that has been important is to try and find occupants for the empty spaces that we have…..when we started there were five! Unfortunately several artists had left during the previous year and whereas in the past we had always had a waiting list of people wanting to move in, suddenly we had no one. Thankfully one of the artists who left, told a friend about the studios and she moved in. This still left four spaces empty …two of them quite large.
Courtyard Artists´Studios – Irvine
Things are looking up though as during the last month or so we’ve had enquires from six artists. Three of these have definitely applied for a space….indeed; I’ve just heard from head office that two of them are definitely taking spaces …one permanently and another for one month ….in order to work on a special project ….great news. So then, hopefully there will be a few new faces at the Courtyard soon. Just a couple of days ago a local photographer came to the studios and is very interested in the large space …so hopefully he may take this too.
Keith in his WASPS studio, Irvine
For anyone who doesn’t already know about WASPS (Workshop and Studio provision Scotland), they are a charitable organisation set up to provide affordable studio spaces for artists and craftspeople working in Scotland. The Courtyard Studios at Irvine is just one of many studio complexes (big and small) run by WASPS and situated throughout Scotland. Rents are based on the size of the space rented but are considerably lower than comparable space in commercial buildings. Tenants are expected to pay monthly and for this they have 24 hour a day, 365 days a year access to their studio. At the Courtyard in Irvine, all studio spaces have heating and a hot and cold water supply. These spaces really are very good value and I would recommend them to any artist looking for a proper studio space.
My WASPS studio, Irvine
Anyway, if you’re looking for a studio and live in Ayrshire, depending on how things turn out with the recent enquiries, we may still have a couple of spaces available. Although spaces are normally let to individual artists, WASPS are also happy to discuss applications from 2 or 3 friends or colleagues who wish to share a space.
For full information about spaces at the Courtyard in Irvine or for more general information about space available at WASPS studios throughout Scotland, contact Michelle Emery Barker: Michelle@waspsstudios.org.uk .
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When I got up this morning at about 06.45 it was still chucking it down with rain and as the light increased, things looked no different from yesterday! However, it’s now about 08.45 and I do believe it’s just stopped ..I can hear some birds singing in the garden so perhaps they sense a change to slightly better brighter conditions later in the day …let’s hope so. The studios are open again today from noon until 5pm so with a bit of luck we’ll see a lot more people this afternoon.
