Monday, 22 January 2007

Painters, ceramicists, printmakers and sculptors will be welcoming new customers and chatting about their work in this year’s Open Studios event, part of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

Now, the call is out to artists and craftspeople who want to join in the event by opening their doors during July.

The Festival runs from Saturday, June 30 to Sunday, July 15 and promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever. The Open Studios event runs in Hebden Bridge on June 30 and July 1; in Heptonstall, Colden and surroundings on July 7 and 8 and in Mytholmroyd, Midgley, Pecket Well and Todmorden on July 14 and 15.

Artists who are interested in taking part in the Open Studios programme need to complete an application form and return it by March 14. They can choose to open on Saturday, Sunday or, preferably, on both days.

“The Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity for local artists and for visitors,” says Festival organiser Enid Stephenson. “Artists get a chance to talk about their work and meet potential customers, as well as appearing on the Festival website, which gets around 80,000 visitors a month. Visitors get an insight into how an artist works and can buy or commission work directly.”

Application forms and more details are available from Lynda Thomas, 20 Cooper Fields, Luddendenfoot, HX2 6AT or from lynprints@hotmail.com. Completed forms can be left for Lynda (marked for her attention) at the Hebden Bridge Tourist Information Centre.