ARTISTS across the county are being invited to take part in the popular open studios event taking place in the summer.

Artists, photographers, crafts people, art groups and galleries across the county can take part in the 2017 Worcestershire Open Studios event that takes place during the Bank Holiday weekend, between August 26 and 28.

During last year's event artists invited visitors to their studios, homes and shared spaces at 45 different locations across Worcestershire.

They displayed various art including painting, drawing, printmaking, glasswork, textiles, photography, jewellery and sculpture, which are all expected to feature again this year.

Artist and co-organiser Sally Morgan said: "Open studios are a great way for artists to raise their profile, share their work with new audiences, build a following and make some sales.

"For local residents and visitors, they are a fantastic chance to see a diverse range of locally made artwork and meet the people who created it.”

Painter Francesca Currie, who took part last year, said: "Open studios last year was incredibly exciting. We had more than 150 people come through our doors and this led to some invaluable contacts for the following year.

“As well as selling, I gained an important painting commission and had the opportunity to connect with other artists, who I may not have met otherwise.

"The Bishop of Worcester was one of the visitors, and I have just had the honour of painting his official portrait.

"Open Studios gives visitors an opportunity to see the artist in their habitat and I look forward to participating again this year.”

The deadline to apply to take part in the event is Friday, March 10.

Organisers say they have had dozens of enquires while spaces look set to be snapped up quickly.

To enter, or for more details, visit worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk.