It has been great to see Open Studios grow in popularity over the years and to have the opportunity to introduce our creative community to so many people.  We're delighted that we will be opening again from 11am - 5pm on 13th & 14th September 2025. 

Open Studios 2024
Thank you everyone for coming and making it such a fabulous weekend.

Huge thanks are due to Harry & Abbie of Snootie Studios who put in an extraordinary amount of work to ensure that this years event was a success. Not forgetting young Laura Bracey Curry who curated and hung the resident artists show in the Project Space.

Over twenty studios in this idyllic setting opened their doors to offer an insight into the creative process, as well as the opportunity to participate in some.  

Open Studios offers a chance for members of the public to see the amazing diversity of talent and skills that are nurtured here at Parndon Mill. In addition to the fine arts of painting and sculpture, there is craftwork in glass blowing, glass fusion, stained glass, textiles, calligraphy, ceramics, stone letter carving, jewellery & printing.  The artists, craftspeople and designers were available to talk about their work and to demonstrate their techniques. There were also opportunities to “have a go” at some of the crafts; glass blowing is especially exciting and results in many visitors taking away a bauble or a vessel! 

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the kind people who filled in visitor experience questionnaires at this years Open Studios. This is crucial for arts development in the County, and also so helpful to us in delivering a better experience for the future. Responses to the event were overwhelmingly positive, and it was wonderful to see visitors relax by the canal after finishing the trail of over 20 different artist's studios. Here are just a few of the many comments that we have received over the years:

Thank you, everyone who came this year and please, please find the time to let us know what you thought of your visit by filling out our short questionnaire. We are gearing up to apply for substantial funding in order to make Parndon Mill more sustainable and better able to meet the needs of our expanding town so, your comments will be most helpful in that mission too.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCKQJWC

'This is the most inspirational place in Harlow.'
'Fantastic! Exciting and creative work happening so wonderful for the local community to be able to share it & be inspired.' 
'This is a wonderful day. The studios are beautiful and inspirational. My two children (4 & 7) were very interested. The artists and craftspeople all spoke to them with enthusiasm.'
'We've had a fantastic afternoon, looking at beautiful objects and speaking to very talented and friendly artists. Thank you!'
'Amazing diversity! We did not know you existed! An interesting 'venue' in its own right'
'Fantastic opportunity to experience the wealth of arts and creativity in your local area.'
'Excellent selection of creative arts & crafts. Hoping to join a few classes and workshops.'
'We love the opportunity to introduce the children to such a wide range of arts.'
'Beautiful setting. Important art and business base for local businesses, adding tremendous value to Harlow.'
'I liked the drawing tent' (Ben, aged 4). 'I liked doing the clay and the colouring' (Fred, aged 8). 

There are still many other opportunities to participate in our arts programme this year.

Parndon Mill will still be welcoming participants to our range of art classes that are held throughout the year.
Some of our artists will be offering classes in a wide range of disciplines. Some are single sessions for a morning or afternoon; others are one, two or three day courses. Beginners are very welcome, as are those who wish to extend their skill. It will be a great opportunity to have a go at something new, with excellent teaching in a beautiful setting!