St Albans artists open their doors for Herts Open Studios 2011

Artists across St Albans are all set to open up their creative spaces this weekend as they take part in the annual three-week event, Herts Open Studios, running from 10th September to 2nd October.

Open Studios is a self-guided tour of creative spaces, where the public can visit local artists in their homes or studios to view their artwork and work in progress. Now in its 21st year, the event is sure to opens the public's eyes to what a prolific art scene we have, here on our doorstep, in St Albans.

This year, 27 members of Herts Visual Arts (HVA) will be opening up their art spaces and exhibiting their work in St Albans. You can get a taste for their work by visiting the 'Herts Open Studios 2011 - St Albans Artists' gallery, here on stalbanspeople, or by popping into the Secret Garden Café in George Street until 2nd October, where you can view  a selection of work from the St Albans' participants.

At the Courtyard Café on Hatfield Road, St Albans six of the local artists will be exhibiting their work side-by-side; Justin Hydes displaying his intense and provocative representative drawings and paintings in graphite, ink or oil; Clare Cammack with drawing, mixed media & painting; Bridget Tompkins drawing & painting; Sarah Evans, glass work & painting; Anna Cloutman, painting and Karole Lange, drawing, mixed media & photography - a wonderful diverse mix of art work all to be seen under one roof.

Professional calligrapher Susan Llewellyn Elvidge can be seen at Trestle Art Base on Russet Drive. Susan also works in watercolour, pastels and inks.  In addition to the range of traditional work you might expect to see, there are also figurative and abstract paintings showing exquisite colour combinations and modern patterns, evocative, expressive texts, and detailed, personalised illuminated panels.

Samantha Forbes and Pratimer Kramer are sharing a studio in Hatfield Road.  Samantha specialises in colourful and expressive portraits in a variety of media.  Pratima's vibrant painting and textural work is created by merging ideas, observations and memories with emotion.

St Albans-based ceramic artist Marshall Colman, who is taking part in the event comments: "Open Studios is a wonderful informal event. I love showing my ceramics and people like visiting the workshop and finding out how they are made."

Beyond St Albans, there are artists across the length and breadth of the county opening up to the public.  HVA Chairman Mel Hilbrown comments: "This is a fantastic opportunity to see the wealth of creative inspiration spread around the county. Often you'll have the chance to see the artist at work and talk to them about their art - an opportunity you seldom have when you visit a gallery. Creating a piece of art-work is often a solitary process, so it's great for the artists to meet those interested in their art and to talk to them about it. So please enjoy this unique opportunity to visit a wide range of artists working in different styles and materials which will stimulate and excite you."

For full details of the event and artists participating in St Albans and across Hertfordshire, including their opening times, pick up a brochure at local libraries, cafes, and tourist information centres or download a pdf brochure online here.

Please share your thoughts on the event and art in St Albans below: