Island artists are gearing up for the 2024 Open Studios event, to be held over 17 days from next Friday (August 23) to Sunday, September 8.

This year the popular annual event, which sees artists and creatives across the Island open their studios to showcase their diverse talents, is being organised by a newly-formed Community Interest Company.

Throughout the event you can take the opportunity to wander through studios, local venues, pop-up exhibitions, and galleries, to encounter a rich tapestry of artistic expression. There’s something for everyone – and admission is free at all venues.

MarMoo is one Island talent taking part in Open Studios this year. Husband and wife team, Amanda and Graham Cope, use only locally-sourced materials and UK suppliers to create their beautiful jewellery. Their expertise in blending a wide variety of materials into their designs, including silver, gemstones, wood, glass, recycled acrylic, paper and clay, produces unusual and unique finishes and products.

Amanda said: “While we work in our studio, we often think of what brings happiness to us – nature, colour, texture and playing with new ideas. We enjoy working together and can appreciate how lucky we are to be able to express our love and joy through art. We choose jewellery as our medium as it allows us to try new ideas and express ourselves in different materials and techniques.

“Mixing advances in technology with traditional handmade techniques in our designs and processes means we can produce innovative and unique pieces that push the boundaries of traditional jewellery. We use recyclable and sustainable materials, like pineapple leather and recycled acrylic, and our work is constantly evolving.”

Marmoo is based at Shanklin and is open from September 3-7. Find out opening times and more at iw.observer/marmoo.

To see the full list of artists taking part in the event go to iw.observer/os2024-artists.