ARTISTS across the town are painting, sculpting, snapping and sewing ahead of this year’s Swindon Open Studios.

More than 50 creative souls will be throwing open their doors in the first two weekends in September to welcome the public and showcase their talents in the annual festival.

It is the eighth year the event has taken place, celebrating the work of artists in a variety of media across 39 different venues Rachel Pryor, one of the organisers of the volunteerled event and one of the participating painters, said: “As always, it’s a special treat to be able to visit artists in their own studios and find out how things are made and explore the creative journey which goes into making each work of art.

“Many different media are on show – from traditional oil painting and pencil drawings through to modern kiln glass and textiles. S tone and metal sculptures will be on show, as well as textiles, photography, lino cuts and mosaics. New for this year is a stop-frame animation workshop run by Create Studios at Cineworld, Regent Circus.

“There will be works to buy ranging in price from several hundred pounds for unique original works down to more affordable works including prints and cards. And no-one should miss Tim Carroll’s £1- a-go art machine which will dispense a unique work of art in a box.

“Whether you want to browse or buy, all are welcome and the great thing is that Swindon Open Studios provides four free days out at some beautiful venues, often with interesting gardens and many venues will provide refreshments too.

“Some artists will be exhibiting in group settings, for example in Central Library and at Artsite, an artists-led charity, at the Post Modern studios and gallery. Nine makers of ‘Every Cloud Arts and Crafts’ will be showing at Stanton Farmhouse in Stanton Park.

Another group artist venue will be Twigs at Olive Tree Café, at Manor Garden Ventre in Cheney Manor.

These venues allow visitors to see many different styles and media in one place.”

To find out more about the artists taking part and the venues which will open ton September 5 and 6 and September 12 and 13, visit www.swindonopenstudios.org.uk.

Brochures are also available from libraries and shops and you can also find out more about the preparations for this event at www.swindonopenstudios.blogspot.com and watch a promotional film at youtube/yU-xu8Nf4oY, made by Nicky Walker.