The Round Tower at Hotwalls Studios witnessed a celebration of art, experimentation, and exploration during the three-day exhibition, “TWELVE,” presented by the innovative collective FOURSANDEIGHTS.
“TWELVE” was wonderfully curated to offer a captivating show through the realms of print, form, and aesthetic. The exhibition questioned conventional notions of perfection and took a deep dive into the natural world. Moreover, it explored the intricate ways in which we process visual data and information.
The Round Tower, with its historical significance and iconic architecture, served as a brilliant backdrop for this thought-provoking and visually stunning display. The contrast between tradition and innovation echoed the themes presented in “TWELVE,” reinforcing the idea that art is a dynamic, ever-evolving force.
Exploring Art, History, and Ceramics: A Double Feature at Hotwalls Studios
Hotwalls Studios is abuzz with excitement as we prepare to host two events in mid-October to bring art, history, and craftsmanship to the Round Tower. On the 14 and 15 October, we invite you to immerse yourself into a weekend of creativity and culture.
Fire and Glaze: Ceramics Market on 14 October
First on the agenda is our new Fire and Glaze Ceramics Market on 14 October. A haven for ceramics enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The Round Tower will transform into a beautiful marketplace showcasing the work of talented ceramic artists. From delicate porcelain to rugged stoneware, you’ll find an array of unique ceramics on display, each telling its own story through form and texture.
This market provides an excellent opportunity to explore the world of ceramics, chat with the artists, and perhaps find that one-of-a-kind piece to add to your collection.
Featuring at Fire and Glaze will be ceramicist Neal Griffin (image above)
Harry Payne’s Open Studio on 15 October
Work by Harry Payne
Following Fire and Glaze, we’re delighted to welcome our next guest artist, Harry Payne, on October 15. During our monthly Open Studios event where all 13 artist studios are open to the public, Harry will occupy the Round Tower as his pop-up studio space from 11 am to 4 pm.
Harry Payne is a versatile artist whose work beautifully melds history, art, and culture. His pieces intertwine narratives, objects, and imagery from diverse historical periods. By employing a range of mediums and techniques, including painting, sculpture, installation, and textiles, Harry challenges conventional artistic norms.
What sets Harry apart is his rigorous research process, where he unearths forgotten narratives and hidden stories, shedding light on overlooked perspectives from history. His art acts as a bridge between the past and the present, encouraging viewers to engage with history and consider how it shapes their understanding of the present.
Hotwalls Studios’ guest artist program remains open for applications, welcoming artists with unique perspectives and innovative approaches to their craft. Harry Payne’s work exemplifies the kind of creativity we seek to nurture, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring artists to join our community. Find out more here: Apply for our Guest Artist Programme – Hotwalls Studios
This mid-October double feature at Hotwalls Studios offers a chance to explore and celebrate art. Whether you’re captivated by the world of ceramics or intrigued by the interplay between history and contemporary art, these events aim to inspire and enrich.
Please note that this months Open Studios falls on the same day as the Great South Run, which means that some of our studios may be operating at reduced working hours. All studios will be open from 1pm when Broad Street reopens.
Hotwalls Alumni Alice Hume Unveils ‘From Soil to Cloth’ in Historic Round Tower
In the heart of Hotwalls Studios, alumna Alice Hume is set to unveil her latest project ‘From Soil to Cloth.’ in the historic Round Tower. The exhibition will run from Friday, 22 September, to Sunday, 24 September, between 11 am and 4 pm, and entry is entirely free.
‘From Soil to Cloth’ promises to be a remarkable journey, a fusion of art, sustainability, and the timeless charm of textiles. Through a combination of film, photography, and handwoven textiles, Alice Hume and curator Lauren Nicoll invite you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of their creation.
This project is a testament to the power of art in narrating the stories of individuals, communities, and the earth itself. ‘From Soil to Cloth’ traces the intricate journey of transforming raw materials into beautifully crafted textiles. It captures the essence of sustainability, celebrating the artisans and their dedication to eco-friendly practices.
What makes ‘From Soil to Cloth’ even more exciting is its journey beyond the Round Tower. Following its display in Portsmouth, the exhibition will embark on a six-week tour in London, allowing a wider audience to experience the magic.
Alice’s commitment to sharing her passion doesn’t stop with the exhibition. Those intrigued by her work can stay connected through her mailing list, offering opportunities for further engagement, including free paper cordage workshops.
This project was made possible by the generous support of Arts Council England, with additional assistance from the John Hansard Gallery and the University of Southampton. It emphasises the significance of art in promoting sustainable practices and preserving the artistry of handmade textiles.
‘From Soil to Cloth’ promises to be a visual and intellectual feast, an exhibition that invites you to witness the transformation of nature’s gifts into stunning works of art. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event at the Round Tower and join Alice Hume in celebrating the beauty of sustainability and the craftsmanship of textiles.
We are thrilled to announce that Alice Crowe will be our next guest artist, bringing her exceptional talent and passion for ceramics to our programme. Her unique approach to pottery, deep family connection to the craft, and commitment to sustainability make her an ideal choice to showcase in our artist program.
Our Guest Artist Program is a platform dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists like Alice Crowe. It’s a space where artists from our community can share their work, connect with a wider audience, and inspire others through their creative expressions. We are excited to collaborate with Alice and provide her with a platform to showcase her beautiful ceramics.
In addition to welcoming Alice as our next guest artist, we are delighted to announce that our Guest Artist Program is now open for applications from local artists who wish to participate. We encourage artists in the local community to apply and share their unique talents and creations with our audience. This program is designed to celebrate the diversity and creativity of local artists and provide them with an opportunity to gain exposure and recognition.
If you are a local artist interested in becoming a part of our Guest Artist Program, please visit our website for more information on how to apply. We look forward to discovering and showcasing the incredible talent within our community and continuing to support and nurture the arts. Stay tuned for upcoming exhibitions and events featuring our guest artists like Alice Crowe.
Find Alice in our historic Round Tower between 11am and 4pm on 17 September, alongside 13 open artist studios and wonderful onsite eatery The Canteen.
We’re thrilled to announce that applications for our Christmas Market (2-3 December) are now open! If you’re an arts vendor with beautiful products, this is your chance to be part of our exciting event. Whether you’re a ceramicist, jeweller, painter or textile artist, we welcome all creative and enthusiastic sellers to join us.
Applications are also open for our new Fire and Glaze ceramics market (14 October) set to take place in the historic Round Tower. If you’re a ceramicist or potter artist exquisite pieces to showcase, this is the perfect opportunity to share your creations with a captivated audience.
Applications for both the Christmas Market and the Fire and Glaze ceramics market will close on 20 August at midnight.
For more information and to submit your applications, visit our website’s ‘Join Us‘ page before the deadline.
Colin Merrin: Exploring the Human Form and Beyond
Introducing Colin Merrin, our next guest artist in our monthly guest artist programme.
Originally from East London, Colin has been living and working on the south coast of England since 2007. With a background in art education and a passion for working with young people facing difficulties, he has maintained his status as a working artist throughout his career. His artistic journey has been marked by numerous solo and group exhibitions across the UK and Europe, with his work featured in esteemed collections like the royal collection and the British Museum.
Emphasizing abstracted figurations and the human form in his recent work, Colin’s paintings blend memory, intuition, and trial-and-error techniques.
Meet Colin Merrin, in the Round Tower on 20 August between 11 AM and 4 PM for our monthly Open Studios event. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness his captivating abstracted figurations, explore his artwork and have discussions in our historic building.
The Guest Artist Programme will soon be opening for applications. If you’re an artist looking for a platform to showcase your talent, keep a close eye on our ‘Join Us’ page for updates on upcoming opportunities. We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter below so you can be among the first to receive notifications about application deadlines and other important details.Our Guest Artist Programme aims to provide a space for diverse and talented local artists to share their work with a wider audience. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established one, we welcome your unique perspectives and creative expressions.
