By Jo Hughes

Twelve artists are about to open their doors for this year’s Pocklington Open Studios event.

They will be exhibiting and demonstrating their work from six different venues around the Pocklington area on the weekend of the May 3 and 4.

Gerry Grant, who runs Fangfoss Pottery with his wife Lyn, said: "For the visitor the whole point of Open Studios is to make a connection with the people who make the work. All the artists will be demonstrating their work and explaining the techniques."

Avril Chetham said: "People can visit all six venues in a day, and get to see the beautiful countryside around the Pocklington area at the same time."

Her jewellery and enamelled wall pieces are on show at Providence House, Ellerton, with contemporary porcelain inspired by waves, rocks and beaches by Jill Ford.

This year's studios include the Rocking Horse Museum in Fangfoss where paintings by Shirley Davis Dew and cards made from hand painted silk and crafted tiles by Andrea Davis will be on show.

Among others opening their homes are Tony Wells who is showing his stoneware ceramics at Stable Court in Londesborough, Chris Cullum's brightly coloured "wearable art" - hats, scarves, wraps and jewellery, "with the emphasis on fun" while nn Shaw's paintings and prints, are at Newfold House at Newton-upon-Derwent.

Mo Burrows who will be showing her contemporary jewellery at Fangfoss Pottery says the Open Studios are a great chance for people who love to see and buy something that is unique.

The Pocklington Open Studios are part of Craft and Design Month. For further information go to: www.craftanddesignmonth.net

A map of the venues and suggested route are available in various shops and galleries in Pocklington.