ARTISTS across the town are preparing to throw open the doors to their studios later this year to share the secrets behind their easels.

Swindon Open Studios will return over the course of the first two weekends in September when more than 50 artists will open up their homes or studios to the general public. The free event will give residents the chance to find out more about the artists taking part as well as their creative works.

Rachel Pryor, a member of the Swindon Open Studios committee, 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.

“This year we welcome many new members including photographer Elmar Rubio and several new ceramicists. You can find examples of their work and more about each artist on the Swindon Open Studios website.

“A wide range of work will be on show including painting, drawing, modern kiln glass, textiles and lino cuts. If you are interested in 3D work there will be stone and metal sculptures suitable for outdoors will be on show, as well as textiles, photography, lino cuts and mosaics.

“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 several will show in Central Library. Another group will show at ‘Every Cloud Arts and Crafts’ will be at Stanton Farmhouse in Stanton Park.”

Already this year members of Swindon Open Studios have been sharing their work with residents in the town after they enjoyed a very successful pairing with the Swindon Festival of Literature. The artists lent their talents to the literary festival by creating a series of miniatures which were displayed outside the Arts Centre’s auditorium throughout the festival in May. Celebrated artist Eileen Cooper – who currently has an exhibition on display at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery – also donated a piece to the collection.

Those attending the festival were then able to buy a ticket to be in with the chance of winning one of the 40 pieces donated, with ticket sales amassing £600 for Prospect Hospice.

Over the coming weeks The Adver will be speaking with some of the artists taking part in this year’s event, offering a peak at their preparation ahead of the event getting under way.

Swindon Open Studios will take place on Saturday, September 3, Sunday, September 4 and Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11.

For more details visit www.swindonopenstudios.blogspot.com. Copies of the open studios brochure containing details of each venue will be distributed around the town from early next month.

The artists taking part this year are: Philip Robinson, Rosie Leather, James Osborn, Benoit Philippe, Sam Silverton, Pat Elmore, Elmar Rubio, Philippa Jones, Mark Pepperall, Tase Woolf, the Eastcott Community Organisation, TWIGS, Dona Bradley, Stevie Gilmore, Sasha Stowe, Ken White, Elizabeth Kendall, Swindon Artists' Forum, Molly Leslie, Noriko Macfarlane, Sue Pready, Franc Murphy, Mike and Niki Harrison, David Robinson, Anna Stowe, David Bent, Andrew Tucker, Sarah Church, Teresa Davey, Carole Humphreys, Christine Tipper, Susie Campbell, Bee Operanto, Jacquie Primrose, Rachel Coyle, Lorenz Freiberg, Artsite, Terry Humphries, Susan Carr, Nadine Gould, Tim Carroll, Naomi Cantillon, Vanetta Joffe, Alex Coppock-Bunce, Deb Battaglia, Lynette Thomas, Nicola Day, Brenda Lammin, Carmen B Norris, Rachel Pryor, Lisa Lane, Caroline Day, Ruth Wintle, Marilyn Trew, Every Cloud Arts and Crafts, Jo McAree, Sharon Rich, John Maskalaniec, Olivia Frost and Lynne Forrester.