The annual York Open Studios event, when artists across the city welcome the public into their workspaces, will take place from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29.

To whet the appetite, a series of eight free workshops will be held this month at York Art Gallery, all led by artists already selected to take part in this year’s event.

Each running for two hours, the workshops offer a chance to work alongside and learn from professional artists at sessions that will range from book-making and jewellery-making to photography and collage.

The artists will share their skills and enthusiasm, giving hands-on experience at working in your chosen medium. What’s more, no previous skills or prior knowledge is necessary as the experts will be there to offer guidance.

You can choose from:

• Saturday, January 17, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Jane Kenelly, handmade books; 2pm to 4pm, Ben Arnup, ceramics.

• Sunday, January 18, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Simon Palmour, photography; 2pm to 4pm, Mark Hearld and Judy Burnett, collage.

• Saturday, January 24, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Jacqueline James, textiles; 2pm to 4pm, Lesley Seeger, painting.

• Sunday, January 25, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Tim Morrison, drawing; 2pm to 4pm, Jo Bagshaw, jewellery.

Funded by City of York Council through Arts Action York, the workshops are open to adults – the minimum age is 16. All materials and tuition are provided free of charge, although a booking fee of £5 per person applies for each workshop.

Early booking is essential as places are limited.

Please send an email to email co2@copperstream.co.uk or call Charmian Ottaway on 01904 636447 to book a place on your chosen workshop. Your place will be secured on receipt of the fee.

Look out, too, for a preview exhibition for York Open Studios 2009 at York Theatre Royal, scheduled to run from March 4 to mid-April, beyond the studio weekend.

Visit yorkopenstudios.co.uk for details of the workshops and information on all the open studios.

A free directory with details of all the artists and maps will be available from all York libraries and creative outlets across the region, or by downloading from the website or by phoning chairman Ruth King on 01904 706123.

• York Open studios is run by artists and volunteers and supported by Arts Council England and City of York Council and sponsored by Harrowell’s Solicitors. Access to all the venues and studios will be free from 6pm to 9pm on March 27, 10am to 6pm on March 28 and 11am to 6pm on March 29.