Artists, sponsors and supporters of Harrow Open Studios attended the launch of a Taster Exhibition at the Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End, which ran throughout May.
The exhibition opened on 2 May by Harrow Councillor Jean Lammiman, who helped launch Harrow Open Studios in 2008 when she was Harrow’s mayor. “I have seen Harrow Open Studios go from strength to strength since then” she said, “and this year I am delighted to see that art students from Harrow College are involved”.
The exhibition of work by more than 20 artists was a taster for Harrow Open Studios 2014 where the public are invited to visit artists’ studios throughout the Harrow Borough over two weekends in June.
Artists whose work was included in the Harrow Arts Centre exhibition include Batool Showghi whose haunting work Disguise in mixed media reflects the hidden lives of women in her native Iran.
Graham Barkley produces life drawing and general subjects in oil and pencil, including Arabian scenes, theatrical subjects, architecture and portraits. Pat Griffin paints in oils and watercolour directly from observation and has placed her painting Hollyhock in the exhibition. Suzy Grimshaw is a Pinner-based jeweller who produces both classic and contemporary items, while Helen Foster-Turner produces contemporary silver jewellery inspired by the natural world, Celtic art and tribal designs. Philippa Laughton is a Pinner textile artist, producing handmade abstract pictures inspired by tweed, such as Golden Moon, in the exhibition. Ceramicists exhibiting include Christine Norris, with her Tropical Planter and Zalina Dewan with her Constructed Bowl. The work Natural Form – inspired by Gaudi by Sarah Heydari of Harrow College attracted considerable interest.
