THE organiser of this years York Open Studios said that the event has been a ‘big success’.

Almost 150 painters, jewellers, sculptors, designers, potters, stained glass makers, printmakers, ceramicists and photographers opened the doors to their studios and their homes for members of the public over the last two weekends.

The event provides a chance for residents and visitors to spend a leisurely weekend visiting colourful and creative studio spaces.

Chairman, Beccy Ridsel, said that the event had been very popular this year and that it was helping increase the awareness of local artists in the city.

She said: “This year has been a big success.

“We’ve also managed to subsidise two multimedia exhibitions which has brought something new to the event.

“We are always trying new things and hopefully next year we will have even more exhibitions and even more variety on display.”

Kate Pettitt, who has owned Castlegate Studios for 12 years, had a mixture of paintings and works on paper of atmospheric landscapes nature and the human form.

She said more than 1,000 people had attended her workshop over the two weekends.

She said: “We have had a really successful weekend and it seems the event has grown in size from last year.”

Sarah Jackson, whose display specialised on Russian folk art and folk tales, was taking part in the event for the first time.

She said: “I lived in Russia from 1991 until 1992 so that is where I draw inspiration for my work.

“It is lovely chatting to people about my work and a lot people were very interested. I’ve had such a wonderful time. This is my first year and I hope that I can join in again next year.”