A NUMBER of local artists will be displaying their work throughout the first fortnight of September as part of Devon Open Studios.

Devon Open Studios invites artists across the county to open their studios to visitors and exhibit their work. It provides an opportunity to meet artists in their place of work and discuss their art.

The event takes place between September 3 to 18, and there will be 13 open studios in the area.

Visitors to Purple Penguins in Red Lion Yard will be able to see Meagan Lily at work, crafting hand-made glass beads by melting glass in the studio.

Chagford will host three separate exhibitions displaying the work of four artists. Yuli Somme makes art, including leaf-shaped shrouds, from felt, and will be displaying her craft alongside the photographs of Juliette Lewis at Bellacouche Barn. Juliette's photographs explore two differing projects on children celebrating life, and differing views on death in various cultures.

Joanna Ford will display a series of her abstract and landscape paintings, as well as drawings, portraits and photographs at Hollow Meadow on Holy Street.

A variety of decorative and functional porcelain vessels glazed with oriental glazes will be on display at 5 Gregory's Court. The unique, tactile pieces were created by Alison West.

Hand-thrown wood-fired stoneware with traditional glazes will be the theme for Belstone Pottery, at Perryman's Farm. In Belstone Village Hall, the paintings of Diane Bailey and prints of Marielle Ebner will be on display. Diane's lively paintings and prints observe the individual characteristics of animals, while Marielle's prints reflect the interaction between people, animals and the natural environment.

There will be a pottery display by Spreyton Pottery at Tremletts, opposite the Tom Cobley pub. The studio produces hand-thrown functional domestic ware decorated with unique glazes.

Another exhibition near the pub is Christopher Hedley-Dent's display in Alley House. Christopher develops abstract prints and paintings from his observational studies, with his current themes being Devon, Cornwall, New York and Andalusia.

Throwleigh will also play host to two displays. Photographer Chris Chapman will display 35 years' worth of photographs and film reflecting the culture and character of Dartmoor.

Themes Art Studio at Pykes Meadow will play host to works by four artists, Kari McGowan, Val Hampson, Scott Russell and Mary Cole. The exhibition will be a mix of watercolours, oils, pastels, acrylics and glass art.

Bookmaker Nina Fenner, oil painter Daniel Holmes-Adams, Abigail North who makes ceramics and Stephie Reiss, who uses mixed media, will put on a varied display at Brook Studio, Donkeys Corner in Gidleigh.

Patricia Lomax will display wild flower paintings alongside her colourful abstract works at Lower East Kimber Farm in Northlew.

Finally, Kigbeare Studios and Gallery at Kigbeare Manor Farm, Southcott, will show thrown and turned functional ware for prepared and serving food by Lisa Hammond, Carey Whitley, Nicole Ullrich and Richard Murphy.