It’s the size of a takeaway menu, but much healthier for you – a new leaflet has been released to showcase local arts studios.

As part of Herts Open Studios, the annual art event currently taking place throughout the county until September 28, a Harpenden and District Art Trail leaflet has been released.

This year, 27 artists are opening their doors at 16 locations in Harpenden, Kimpton and Redbourn.

The simplified map, surrounded by sample artwork, shows where studios and other art displays can be found.

In addition, there are summaries which identify studios open on any particular day, contact information and details of various art forms.

Harpenden area coordinator, glass artist Opal Seabrook, said there had been positive feedback upon the recent release of the trail leaflet, adding, “it went down very well at the farmers’ market in August, with an initial 100 copies snapped up very quickly.”

The leaflet is available from Herts Visual Arts, participating studios, eateries and shops in Harpenden, Kimpton and Redbourn or see it online at www.hvaf.org.uk/Open-Studios/Open-Studios-2014/Harpenden

n Herts Visual Arts, which is behind the annual Open Studios event, is having a secret postcard sale this year.

It is a chance to buy postcard-size original artworks by students, established artists, illustrators, ceramicists, glass artists, jewellers and other craftmakers.

The ‘secret’ is that the signature is on the back of the postcard who purchasers will not know who has created the work until they have bought it.

All the items are priced at £20 each and the proceeds will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support.

The postcards can be seen at The Courtyard Cafe in Hatfield Road, St Albans, until September 28.