top of page

Top 10 Tips for Visiting My Home Gallery During Devon Open Studios 2025!

Emily Hadley
in an art-filled room for Devon Open Studios with a cavapoo dog in the foreground. Vibrant paintings adorn the walls, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Devon Open Studios - A peep into the gallery

Devon Open Studios organised by Devon Artist Network is a truly special event, offering a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and connect directly with artists and makers in their creative spaces. As I prepare to open my gallery doors, I'm thrilled to welcome you in!


To help you make the most of your visit, here are my top ten tips:


1. Plan Your Route: Devon is a beautiful county, and studios can be tucked away in unexpected places. Before you set out, consult the official Devon Open Studios guide (available now) or the Devon Artist Network website. Note my studio number and address, and perhaps even pop it into your sat-nav. I'll also have clear yellow signs out to guide you when you get close! My address is 13 Cockington Lane, Preston, Paignton, TQ3 1ED.


Bright hallway with yellow walls, art on the walls, patterned floor, wooden cabinet, round mirror, and a pendant light. Cosy and colourful for Devon Open Studios 2025
Art everywhere! Devon Open Studios 2025

2. Check Opening Times: While Devon Open Studios runs from September 6th to 21st, 2025, individual artists (including myself!) will have specific opening days and times. Please double-check  listings in the guide or on the artist's website/social media before you visit to avoid a wasted journey. I will be opening my doors from 10-4pm on 6th-7th and 13-14th September.


3. Embrace the Journey: Part of the joy of Devon Open Studios is discovering hidden gems. My gallery is a stone's throw from stunning Torbay beaches and beautiful woodland. Enjoy the drive or walk and take in the beautiful Devon scenery along the way.


4. Be Ready to Chat: I love talking about the artists I represent, my inspirations, and how I curate! Don't be shy about asking questions. Whether it's about the work, the story behind a piece or what drives me, I'm happy to share.


Art-filled blue cabinets at Emily Hadley gallery for Devon Open Studios with colourful paintings, ceramic dogs, bottles, and a wooden table holding frames and a candle. Warm, creative atmosphere.
Beautiful art for Devon Open Studios 2025

5. Make yourself at home: You are very welcome to make yourself at home, snuggle up on a sofa and absorb the art, I might even make you a cuppa!


6. Look for Works on paper: Many visitors find it fascinating to see art in various stages of creation. I'll aim to have some pieces on display that show different steps of the artist's process, perhaps sketches, studies or unfinished works. It offers a unique insight into how an artwork comes to life and I personally love to frame and display these pieces as artworks in their own right.


7. Consider a Purchase: Devon Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity to buy unique, original art directly from the maker. I'll have a range of pieces available, from smaller more affordable items to larger statement works. Don't hesitate to ask about prices or payment options. Every purchase directly supports the artists!

Framed landscape paintings from Kevin Hadley at Emily Hadley gallery for Devon Open Studios 2025 on a wooden table, featuring serene scenes with blues and greens. A card with text and a yellow-patterned book are visible.
Devon Landscapes by Kevin Hadley

8. Sign the Guestbook/Join My Mailing List: If you enjoy your visit, please consider signing my guestbook or joining my mailing list. It's a great way for me to stay in touch, share updates on new work and let you know about future exhibitions or events.


9. Take Your Time: There's no rush! Allow yourself enough time to properly browse the work, soak in the atmosphere of my home gallery and engage in conversation. Art is meant to be enjoyed and contemplated.


10. Share Your Experience: If you loved your visit, please consider sharing your experience on social media! Tag me @emuplops Devon Artist Network @devon_artist_network & Devon Open Studios @devonopenstudios then use the #DevonOpenStudios hashtag. Word-of-mouth is invaluable for artists and it helps spread the word about this wonderful event.


A colourful painting of buildings on a wall, next to a wooden staircase. A fish art piece is partially visible in the background for Devon Open Studios.
Devon artists for Devon Open Studios 2025

I can't wait to welcome you to my studio during Devon Open Studios 2025! It's an honour to share my creative corner of Torbay, Devon with you. If you love bold, uplifting art, a peek inside an insta-famous home that doubles up as an art gallery and a good old chat — then this is a must-visit!


So that’s it! My ten tips for making the most of Devon Open Studios. I hope they help, and I hope you have a magical, joyful, tea and cake-fuelled day. If you’d like to visit another time in the week or later in the year  (maybe when it’s quieter, or to bring someone special) just get in touch via email or Instagram. We’ll arrange something.


Hopefully see you round mine in September!


Emily x

 
 
 
bottom of page