Between 11am and 5pm on the four weekends of June, more than 140 finest artists of Suffolk will keep their studios open completely free for their visitors. During the occasion, the visitors can appreciate the artworks displayed, interact with the artist to know the original concept and gain a wonderful insight into the creative process. The idea of meeting the artists at their own world of creation is certainly unique and one of the rare opportunities for the lovers of art.

The skills of the artists stretch over a wide range of mediums like textiles, glasswork, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, photography and paintings in acrylics, oil and water colours. Since the inception of the event in 1991, some of the artists have rejoined it every year, while some are returning after a break this year in addition to a band of newcomers. With the artists hailing from different parts of the country, some of the centres are beautifully maintained.

The basic idea behind Suffolk Open Studios is to make the visual arts accessible to all and to project the process and setting of the artistic creation, encouraging the contact between the public and the visual arts. A colour directory has been published containing the dates and venues for all the Suffolk Open Studios events, in addition to an illustration and mission statement by every artist. Copies are distributed through the Tourism Information Centres from April. Also available online at www.suffolkopenstudios.co.uk

For information about accommodation and other activities, visit www.choosesuffolk.com