Introduction and Welcome

Welcome to Open Studios! This will be the 16th annual event and it promises to be as successful as ever. Around 200 artists are opening their individual studios or getting together in groups to exhibit their work, and this year sees a record number of new artists who are participating in Open Studios for the first time.

One of the main features of Open Studios is the opportunity for interaction between members of the public and artists. Visitors are encouraged to talk to artists about their work and many of this year's artists are also taking the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity in action. A number are even offering visitors a chance to have a go. See individual entries for details.

Artists have worked hard to open their studios for you to enjoy, and you are encouraged to try and visit as many as you can. Your local library may even have a display showing a suggested trail for visiting studios in your area. But, if you cannot get to all the studios you would like to visit during the Open Studios period, many artists are also delighted to be contacted throughout the year. Artists welcoming appointments can be identified by the telephone symbol in their entry.

This year, with support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, we are also embarking on a three year programme to increase public awareness of Open Studios and to bring the public and artists closer together through the use of innovative new community venues and open spaces. So look out for Open Studios in the Community events across the county throughout the year! See our website www.hvaf.org.uk for details.

And finally, thank you for supporting the artists in Hertfordshire. Thanks also to the artists and volunteers who have helped to organise Open Studios, and thanks to our sponsors.