For over a decade, our annual Summer Open has been a cornerstone of the Artizan calendar, bringing an incredible array of artistic talent to the English Riviera. This year, we are shifting our focus to explore a specific narrative dedicated to the unique spirit of our region. Peninsula: The South-West Open 2026 brings together national and local artists responding directly to the physical, cultural, and historic characteristics of the South-West. Grounded in the dramatic landscapes, tactile materials, and the legendary quality of light that defines the peninsula. Join us this summer to experience a visual journey through the South-West, celebrating the landscapes and light that inspire us. The exhibition will launch on 25th July 6 – 8 pm and run from 26th July – 4th September Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm or by appointment.

Step through the gateway into an intriguing exploration of botanical duality. Poison Garden: Healing or Deadly brings together resident and invited artists in a collaborative exhibition rooted in the two-sided nature of flora. Every plant holds the potential to be either a remedy or a poison—equally beautiful or unsettling depending on perspective, proportion, and narrative. Local Roots & Historical Inspiration The theme resonates deeply with Torquay’s heritage. During WWI, Torquay's most famous resident, Agatha Christie, volunteered at the Red Cross Hospital in Torquay Town Hall before working as an apothecary's assistant in the dispensary. Surrounded by glass tinctures, her precise understanding of botanical toxins directly influenced her writing—earning her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, a rare review in the Pharmaceutical Journal for its accurate depiction of strychnine poisoning. This delicate balance between remedy and ruin is woven right into the Devon landscape: Foxglove: Contains compounds capable of stopping a heart, yet serves as the origin of digoxin, a crucial modern heart medication. English Yew: Lethal alkaloids once tipped Celtic weapons, yet bark compounds later yielded vital chemotherapy treatments. Deadly Nightshade: A staple of crime folklore that provides modern paramedics with atropine to restart failing hearts. "We want to highlight that plants are striking, mysterious, poisonous, and healing—often all at once," the artists explain. "It depends entirely on your perception and approach: the perspective from which you research them, the proportions you choose to emphasize, and the narrative you weave around them." Exhibition will launch 11th September Exhibition dates: 12th September – 11th October Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm