From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, September 4, 2008

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL is again helping to celebrate West Devon's flourishing art scene by sponsoring the annual Devon Open Studios season which runs from 6-14 September.

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

The trails also take the visitor through stunning Devon countryside, and point to venues serving quality snacks and lunches.

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

In West Devon, 21 artists have joined in the event including internationally renowned sculptor Peter Randall Page, whose work is on permanent exhibition at Tate Britain. Recent projects include the creation of the giant granite sculpture Seed at the Eden Project.

Other artists include mural painter Stephen Dooley, the Belstone Pottery and Bridget Thomasin who uses stitching as well as paint to create landscapes.

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

"West Devon 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 West Devon 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.

PHOTOCALL

The event will be launched on Friday 5 September between 7 and 9pm at The Big Red Sofa, 11 The Square, Chagford, Devon TQ13 8AA (venue number 34 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.