TOP craft workers and artists are opening their workshops this weekend to show off their wares in what has become one of the most prestigious promotions of its kind in Yorkshire.

About 120 have been selected – several of them from Ryedale – out of the hundreds in North Yorkshire to take part in Open Studios 2010.

Many are to be found off-the-beaten track amid some of the county’s picture-postcard scenery.

Among the Ryedale artists taking part is stone carver and sculptor Peter Coates who recently opened a studio at Deepwell Farm, Brawby, near Malton.

He trained as an architectural sculptor with English heritage and is a long-term collaborator with Scottish artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay.

Mr Coates’ public work is to be found across Britain and Europe and two of his recent major schemes can be found in the Walled Garden at Scampston Hall, and the “Textus” projection onto the lifting tower in Leeds.

Emma Gale, of Westfield House, Scarborough Road, Norton, is a jeweller whose work derives from vintage style, such as old buttons and incorporates crocheting and lace-making. Her specialities include crocheted mohair flowers, antique lace combined with silver and gold, and pearls.

Julie Moss and Nik Stanbury are principal and vice-principal of the York School of Jewellery and will be demonstrating their skills at The Dawnay Arms in West Heslerton.

Julie, who trained as an illustrator at Cambridge College of Art, is a teacher at the York School of Jewellery and works in precious metals and semi-precious stones, while Nik is a designer-silversmith and jeweller.

He is also co-director of The Beautiful Splint Company, a business which works with several hospitals making bespoke precious metal splints for clients with hyper-mobility syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

Emma said: “Open Studios is a splendid shop window for many craft workers. We have many talented artists in Ryedale and they are making a significant contribution to the district’s economy with their wealth of excellent products.”

Other Ryedale craftspeople taking part include sculptor Jennifer Tetlow of Lastingham; Sue Slack, an artist from Lockton; David Baumforth, artist of Snainton; Gillies Jones, glass crafters of Rosedale Abbey; Maria Silmon, of Farndale West, an artist who produces digital photo art and video; Andrea Bailey, an artist and felt scarf specialist, and Elizabeth Bailey, a well-known potter, both of Moor Edge, Gillamoor; Bridget Gillespie, a botanical illustrator, of Beadlam; Sally Taylor, of Stonegrave, who explores the primacy of hand-drawn marks; and Clare Belbin, of Greengate, Malton, a wood engraver, who also works in watercolour, graphite, charcoal and pastel.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the regional tourist agency, said: “This is fast becoming one of the most fascinating events in the region’s cultural calendar.

“Open Studios offers a unique opportunity for the public to meet artists in a diverse range of studios and settings, to gain an insight into how their work is produced and what inspires them.

“The contribution our artists make to Yorkshire’s cultural tourism is immensely important.”

The Open Studios event runs from Friday to Sunday, and on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, 10.30am-5.30pm.