Behind the Studio Door
Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS) is one of the largest open studios events in the south of England. Each June, over 200 painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists across the county open their studios, workshops and homes to the public for two consecutive weekends, offering a rare opportunity to see where and how art is made.
The event spans the full breadth of Surrey, from Farnham and the Surrey Hills to Dorking, Guildford and beyond. Visitors can plot their own routes using a printed guide and interactive map, combining studio visits with walks through some of the county’s most beautiful landscapes. Many artists offer demonstrations, and work is often available to purchase directly, cutting out the gallery middleman.
Connecting Artists & Communities
SAOS is organised by Surrey Artists, a membership organisation that supports visual artists across the county through exhibitions, networking events and professional development opportunities. The open studios event is its flagship programme, raising the profile of Surrey’s creative community and generating significant sales for participating artists.
For visitors, the appeal goes beyond the art itself. Open studios provide a window into creative lives that are usually hidden from view – a sculptor’s barn in the Surrey Hills, a printmaker’s garden shed in Cranleigh, a painter’s light–filled attic in Farnham. The encounters are personal, unhurried and often inspiring, making SAOS one of the most engaging cultural events on the Surrey calendar.
