Krowji confirm plans to host Christmas Open Studios in 2021

Krowji has confirmed plans to run their much-loved Christmas Open Studios event from 26 – 28 November this year – with several of the tenants affected by the major fire earlier this year taking part in the festive event.

Following a difficult year for the Redruth creative hub with the devastating fire in May 2021 - as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the creative sector - the event promises to end 2021 on a high, celebrating and showcasing of the work of their creative residents.

Visitors to the Krowji Christmas Open Studios can shop for beautiful handcrafted festive gifts during the three-day event, held at the Redruth creative hub - the largest in Cornwall and home to over 200 artists, makers and creatives. Roscoe Communications has been contracted to provide marketing, PR and event management support.

Tenants from the Phoenix group - those who lost their studio spaces to the major fire on site earlier this year - will take part in the event and will be displaying their work in a specially designated area.

Some of these artists have already been rehomed at Krowji since the fire - while others are returning especially for the Open Studios, as they wait for a new space.

Fiona Wotton, Chief Executive of Creative Kernow – the charity group which owns Krowji – said: “Organising Krowji Christmas Open Studios has brought back some much-needed positivity and excitement after the challenges of Covid and the devastating fire.  Our creative community are eager to reconnect with art lovers and showcase their work and we are looking forward to seeing Krowji back doing what it does best as Cornwall’s leading creative hub.”

Open Studios provides a chance to meet the makers and see behind the scenes in artists’ studios, which are usually closed to the public. Over 50 artists, designers and makers will be opening up their studios to the public at this year’s Christmas Open Studios. This is one of only two Open Studios events which occur each year at Krowji.

Expect to browse everything from handmade pottery and unique glass wall hangings and decorations, to fine art, jewellery, photography, and original paintings. Limited edition prints and one-off originals will all be showcased, along with homewares such as tableware, textiles, and decorative ceramics, all created by tenants in their Krowji studios.

Tenants from Krowji’s satellite studio cluster in Falmouth Road Redruth, known as The Yard, will also be participating in the event.

Stones Krowji café will be open for the duration of the event with their delicious food and drink options. You can while away the morning browsing the creatives’ studios before settling down to a delicious lunch, coffee, cake and Christmas treats.

Lauren Webb