A WEALTH of talented artists will be showcasing their work at venues across the York area next month.

York Open Studios 2017 will be held over two weekends - April 21-23 and 29 and 30 - with more than 100 artists and makers inviting visitors to their studios and workshops.

There are nearly 80 venues for people to visit, from the city centre to the surrounding villages. They range from ordinary houses to community spaces and historic landmarks.

This year's Open Studios event features painters, ceramicists, jewellery makers, photographers, sculptors. wood carvers, multi-media artists and a variety of other creative people.

Organisers say those taking part have been carefully selected to make sure visitors are shown work of the highest quality.

Beccy Ridsdel, chairperson of the organising committee, said: "We had quite a lot of people apply for this year's event. We have a selection process. There's a panel of professionals and curators who select for us. This year's there's over 100 artists, which is brilliant.

"We are very proud of the variety of work by arts and craftspeople. Some who are both. We do have two multi-media artists this year. We are very pleased to be open to all forms of arts and crafts.

"We are very excited about this year."

The 2017 event will feature work by familiar York Open Studios artists and by new members.

Beccy says York has lots of talented artists and craftspeople and that it has become a "vibrant" and "creative" place to be.

She added: "The standard of work we get to choose from is very high. It ranges from professionals to amateurs. It is all about the work."

A launch exhibition will be held at the Stained Glass Centre, St Martin's-Cum-Gregory's Church, in Micklegate on April 8 and 9, from 10am to 5pm.

Visitors will get a taste of what is to come during the open weekends and a chance to buy some original artwork.

Last year, about 7,000 people visited venues across the York area for the annual Open Studios event.