From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, September 5, 2008

Devon County Council is again helping to celebrate Exeter's flourishing art scene by sponsoring the annual Devon Open Studios season that runs from 13-21 September.

The Exeter trail is amongst nine Devon Open Studios trails that allow art enthusiasts to visit artists at work, discuss what they do, see short demonstrations and buy collectable pieces.

The nine trails feature an exceptionally broad range of art and craft, with 350 locally based artists participating.

In Exeter, 25 artists have joined in the event including painter Gavin McTear. Gavin completed an art degree at Bristol but he has worked as a postman both here and in Australia. He has recently returned from travels in Nepal. He is an observer and painter of wildlife and seeks to capture the unique character of each animal. His most recent work features Komodo dragons. 

Other artists include painter Diem Hannan, East Forde Arts at Cheriton Fitzpaine near Crediton, and sculptor and decorative plasterworker Geoffrey Preston.

Executive Member for Culture, Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "This event is an outstanding opportunity for people to visit established, new and inspiring artists from Exeter. A chance to discover new talent as well as enjoying old favourites.

"Exeter has a thriving artistic community, and what better way to explore the work than by visiting them in their studio and gallery environments."

Kate Wilson is the director of the Devon Artist Network which organises the event.

She is expecting a bumper year and comments: "The quality and freshness of the work on display is stunning and reflects the wealth of artistic talent here in Devon".

A map of the Exeter trail, featuring artists' work, directions to venues and facilities available there, can be downloaded from www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk or obtained from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries.

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The event will be launched on Wednesday 10 September between 7 and 9pm at Unearthed, 46 Preston Street, Exeter. Between Spacex and the Little Theatre (venue 133 on the map),

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact: Dorothy Muir media@devonartistnetwork.co.uk 01647 433318

High resolution images of artists and their work can be supplied.

Devon Artist Network is a membership organisation open to all visual artists and craftspeople living and practising in Devon and is funded by grants and earned income from membership and open studios fees.