SOME of Ryedale’s finest craft workers and artists will be opening their studios to the public later this month.

They will be among 100 who will be inviting visitors into a host of intriguing studio spaces from caravans on the North York Moors to harbourside baiting sheds at Scarborough.

The event is organised by Art Connections of Gargrave. Last year’s Open Studios attracted 12,000 visitors and the artists taking part sold more than £70,000 of work and gained many commissions.

Richard Flinton, North Yorkshire County Council’s corporate director, said: “Over the past five years Open Studios has become a major event in the county’s cultural calendar, showcasing the work of more than 100 selected artists and makers each year and attracting a growing audience from far and wide.

“North Yorkshire needs quality events that promote the county’s cultural offer, and the Open Studios highlight the strength and diversity of its visual arts community, providing a unique showcase and an opportunity for the public to meet individual artists and see how their work is produced.”

Among those opening their studios are Andrea Bailey, a sculptor, and her daughter Elisabeth a potter, of Moor Edge, Gillamoor; Maria Silmon, photographic artist, of Spout House, Farndale West; Andrew Cheetham, artist-in-residence at Rosedale based in the village Reading Room; Bridget Gillespie a botanical illustrator of Fir Tree House, High Lane, Beadlam; Sue Weaver, painter and collage artist of Parkers Mount, Kirkbymoorside; Jim Wright, landscape artist of West End, Kirkbymoorside; and Sue Slack, a moorland artist of The Barn Studio, Sunny View, Lockton.

The Open Studios event is being held on June 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.