ARTISTS in and around Evesham will be opening their doors to the public free of charge over August Bank Holiday weekend as part of the first Worcestershire Open Studios.

From Saturday-Monday, August 29- 31, painters, sculptors, printmakers, potters and stained glass artists are inviting the public to visit their studios and view their work in an informal setting. There will be the chance to see how they create their work and to buy original art directly from the artist. Most artists will be opening their homes to visitors, with locations throughout south Worcestershire.

In Offenham, Wendy Stafford will welcome visitors to The Art Pad, where she makes fused and stained glass. In Birlingham, near Pershore, painter Karen Brighton specialises in equine and animal portraits. In Upton-upon-Severn, the Studio Gallery at Bridge House will feature the work of Gerald and Janice Savine and of the six art classes held at Bridge House.

Further afield, landscape painter John R. Harris will open his studio from his home in Inkberrow, while Revills Farmhouse Café, near Pershore, and the Stables Tea Room in Upton are all partnering with the event to refresh weary art lovers.

Wendy Stafford said: “Worcestershire Open Studios is a great way to see the artist in their own surroundings. If you are fascinated by light, texture and colour why not visit my studio at the bottom of our thatched cottage garden. I make beautiful stained and fused glass art for the home and garden, unique pieces that capture the essence of nature and the world about me all.”

Gerald Savine of Bridge House in Upton added: “Janice and I decided to join Worcestershire Open Studios to encourage people to become involved in painting and also to demonstrate our particular style of work. At the same time, we are holding the annual exhibition of the art classes’ work at Bridge House. Holding six art classes a week has shown how people, who thought they couldn’t paint, can produce some really good work. It is also is a very good therapy in the students’ busy lives.”

Across the county, 70 artists are taking part in Worcestershire Open Studios at 27 different venues. Full details of participating artists and where to find them can be found at www.worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk. Visitors to five or more studios will be entered into a prize draw to win a piece of art produced by one of the artists.