farOpen – (Forest and Rivers Open) - is a volunteer, artist-led network organising the popular Open Studios Art Trail each July in the Forest of Dean and along the rivers Severn & Wye.
Established in 2017, the number of artist members has grown phenomenally and with it, farOpen’s support to artists in the community. In 2024 the organisation represents 190 members with 83 studios having welcomed visitors on its Art Trail in July. Additional group exhibitions for members are held in spring, summer and autumn at different local venues.
farOpen focuses on building a thriving artist community, increasing year round visibility & awareness of its members’ artwork, events and workshops. Members also benefit from an online peer group for artists to support each other with business advice or moral support, complemented by monthly coffee mornings – a super valuable support network for a demographic who can often feel isolated working in solitude across the district
Through its successful marketing campaigns and exhibitions, farOpen’s mission to attract and generate sales have helped this local, creative sector flourish.
Officers
Uschi Arens Price, farOpen Chair & Project Management for membership, web site, brochure
Sarah Trenchard, farOpen Secretary, newsletter
Adrian Price, farOpenTreasurer
Its Steering Committee members
Charlotte Keating (marketing lead, exhibition support)
Lisa Miles (distribution, marketing, exhibition support)
Sarah Delahoy (Instagram, marketing, exhibition support)
Gina Nell (exhibitions)
Social Media Team
Ali Edgson (Facebook)
Catherine Hawkridge (Facebook)
Sarah Delahoy (Instagram)
Grace Engel (Facebook)
Patron Christine Waygood
Please go to our how to join page for details on how to become a member.