Devon County Council is again helping to celebrate Devon s flourishing art scene next month by sponsoring the annual Devon Open Studios season which runs from 6-21 September.

Devon County Council is again helping to celebrate Devon's flourishing art scene next month by sponsoring the annual Devon Open Studios season which runs from 6-21 September.

There are nine Devon Open Studios trails to follow which allow art enthusiasts to visit artists in their studios, discuss their work, 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.

From city centre cafes and galleries to remote woodland gardens and medieval barns, artworks will be presented at 220 venues countywide.

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

"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."

Participants in Devon Open Studios 2008 include:

Peter Randall Page

Internationally renowned sculptor, influenced by organic form, whose work is on permanent exhibition at Tate Britain. Recent projects include the creation of the giant granite sculpture Seed at the Eden Project. Peter is exhibiting on the West Devon Trail (trail 2).

Mike Woollacott

Painter of land and seascapes, mainly in acrylics. Mike has exhibited in Open Studios for the last two years and has enjoyed meeting visitors and selling works to individuals from across the UK and Europe. His favoured subject area is the Taw Valley.

After working for a total of thirty eight years as a stockman at Hatherleigh cattle market and later on quality monitoring of cattle and carcasses he signed up as a mature student at North Devon College and went on to obtain a degree in Fine Art from Plymouth University. Mike Woollacott is exhibiting on the North Devon Trail (trail 1).

Lydia Corbett

Lydia paints with oil and indian ink, makes ceramic figures and driftwood sculptures. She draws her inspiration from flowers, landscapes and people.

Lydia was born Sylvette David in France in 1934. Picasso was a neighbour and during the 1950s Sylvette was his muse and the inspiration for 40 paintings and sculptures, including Girl with a ponytail. She moved to Devon in 1968. Lydia is exhibiting on the South Hams trail (trail 3).

R Jane Baker

Photography, ceramics and edible sculpture. Jane describes her work as the "Wow of now", exploring themes of instant or delayed gratification.

Her edible sculptures feature the beauty of naked forms depicted in chocolate which can be eaten as well as enjoyed visually. Jane is exhibiting on the Teignbridge 1 trail (trail 6).

Each Devon Open Studios trail has its own map, featuring artists' work, directions to venues and facilities available there.

North Devon, West Devon & South Hams Studios will be open from 6-14 September and from 13-21 September in Teignbridge, Torbay, Exeter and East Devon. Please check maps for precise opening times at each location.

Maps can be downloaded from www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk or obtained from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries.