After cementing its commitment to local independent businesses and creativity with a series of curated markets and other ongoing events, Great Western Arcade is pleased to host eight artists over two weekends, as part of Birmingham Open Studios.

Great Western Arcade will act as one of this year's main 'hubs', transforming vacant units into galleries where artists will exhibit their work together over the weekends of 23 - 24 September and 30 September – 1 October (Saturdays 11am - 5pm and Sundays 11am-3pm). The featured artists span an eclectic mix of media including oil painting, ceramics and taxidermy and will be available over both weekends at GWA to answer any questions about their work as you browse.

Birmingham Open Studios is an annual, city-wide art trail which allows artists and crafters of all experience to display their craft from their own homes or working studios. This year, a total of 169 artists and makers will be showcased in studios, homes and other venues across Birmingham. You can pick up a free guidebook from various places throughout the city, showing the location and details of each artist so you can plan your perfect route, with the chance to meet and talk to artists at every stop.

Artist’s exhibiting at GWA:
Boglárka Tóth: Colourful abstract pieces and decorative objects
Carrie Moore (Beetles Bones and Butterflies): Ethical taxidermy and entomology artist inspired by gothic and Victorian styles
Elaine Ridler (Dead Zoo): Morbidly cute ink on paper drawings capturing the weird and wonderful skulls of extraordinary beasts
Ginger Dan: Graffiti artist creating androgynous characters with bold colour schemes, influenced by Queer identity, comics and illustration
Juliet Guillon: Oil painted landscapes, portraits and still-lifes
Mike Martin: Functional and decorative wheel thrown stoneware pottery
Rajvi Padia: Meticulously detailed and visually captivating miniature art pieces, including collectibles like fridge magnets, keychains and jewellery
Vanessa Sulek: Portraits incorporating acrylic pour mixing and mixed media.

Birmingham Open Studios is running over the weekends of 23 - 24 September and 30 Sept - 1 October across Birmingham. For more information on the event and a full list of artists and locations head to birminghamopenstudios.co.uk