ARTISTS and craftspeople across the county will be opening their doors for the annual Herts Open Studios event which gets underway next Saturday, September 7.

It runs until the end of the month and while some artists work from home, others have studios which may range from a shed at the bottom of the garden to a gallery on a high street or in a business park.

Eleven artists are showing in St Albans and Shenley this year. They’re exhibiting sculpture, textiles, photography, video, film, mixed media, painting, drawing, glass, printmaking, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture.

They include Rosemary Bradshaw’s works based on sketches and observations taking in life drawings, mixed media paintings, original prints and greetings cards. Susan Eglinton shows thrown and impressed ceramics as well as sculpture and decorations alongside watercolour and oil paintings while Itziar Olaberria exhibits contemporary artwork with personal touches of colour, light and textures.

Anthea Denton has hand-painted silk scarves and animal portraits cast in bronze or bronzed resin and Wendy Dowling shows unique kiln-formed glass using colour, texture and form – including wall hangings and various functional items such as coasters.

There is even more work to look at in Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Redbourn and Kimpton where 26 artists will be showing their skills.

Harpenden artist Sue Wookey can be found at Artscape Arts in Southdown showing paintings in watercolour and gouache inspired by nature, symbols, dreams and inner journeys. Photography, original paintings, prints and cards are all part of her exhibition.

Denise Bowser describes her work as a ‘leap into an intriguing world of striking colours and shapes’ which are inspired by South American landscapes while Paul Diggins sculpts full-size portrait heads or smaller full body poses. He works in ciment fondue which can be displayed inside or in the garden.

Justine Lois Thorpe shows contemporary fine oil paintings on canvas as well as limited edition textile designs and Helen Robinson shows architectural stained glass with a large portfolio of windows in public and private settings.

A free glossy brochure gives opening times and locations of every artist taking part across Herts and all visits to studios and artists’ homes are free as well.

Brochures are available from libraries, tourist information centres, galleries and other local art outlets as well as online at hvaf.org.uk