Fifty-eight visual artists and craftspeople from Warley Town to Todmorden will open their doors to the public gaze, giving the opportunity to chat with the artists, exchange ideas and knowledge and to purchase work directly from the studio.

Many of the artists work collectively in studio groups, others work independently from their own studios. This year sees a new studio group setting up at Brooklyn Studios (Unit 3 Hangingroyd Lane), Hebden Bridge.

Part of the fun of the open studios event is for people to get out and about and to explore some of the independent studios outside Hebden Bridge. Visitors are sure to get a warm welcome from artists and craftspeople working in Heptonstall, Mytholmroyd, Warley Town, Luddenden, Charlestown, and Lumbutts.

The event is now run by a consortium of local artists and its popularity points to continued growth. It provides an excellent platform for artists to promote their work and brings in valuable trade for the area by attracting visitors from across the region.

The event runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 3, 4, and 5) with most studios open from 11am to 5pm. To find out where the studios are, and to plan a route, pick up a colour brochure from the Canal and Visitor Centre, Arts Festival Shop and many of the shops and cafes in Hebden Bridge.