Discover Art at its Origin during Devon Open Studios

Find out more about the county's diverse range of accomplished artists this month during Devon Open Studios, a free annual visual arts event that place from 7 to 22 September. Described by one visitor as, "a wonderful way to explore and discover all the talented people living in Devon," this is the largest showcase for artists in the county, with artists exhibiting their work in more than 140 locations. 

Visitors will be able to view the work and practice of over two hundred artists who are opening their doors across the county, while touring the diverse countryside of Devon. The event is a unique chance to venture out on self-guided art tours using colour-coded area maps in the Devon Open Studios brochure or just by spontaneously following the yellow arrows dotted about the countryside.

Whether you see dozens of artists or just visit a couple of studios, the event provides a rare and exciting opportunity to interact with artists in their own creative spaces and buy art directly from them. Veteran enthusiasts come back again and again to see as many Open Studio artists as possible, in the exciting search for the next big thing, while others wander gently from one studio to another without a plan.  Either way, it's a ‘walk of art’ that brings benefits to both artist and viewer.

This year the exhibitors include nationally and internationally renowned artists and artisans in addition to many exciting newcomers. There are painters, print makers, photographers, glass artist, ceramicists, furniture, textile, jewellery, and musical instrument makers, displaying their work in an intriguing range of venues full of unexpected treasures. 

Devon Open Studios allows an exceptional chance for the public to enjoy art at its origin. It is a premier event of Devon Artist Network (DAN), a membership organisation committed to raising awareness of visual arts.

Once again this year, Devon Open Studios’ key commercial sponsor is Helpful Holidays, one of the leading West Country holiday cottage specialists that markets and lets over 600 holiday homes throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, and who, for the second year in succession, have taken top place in the Which? Travel magazine member survey of holiday cottage and villa booking companies.

More information can be found on the website: www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

A free guide to the event is available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries.