A MAJOR festival for the arts is taking place in Okehampton this week.

Art Okehampton 13, organised by the Art Okehampton Festival Group, launched yesterday, and runs until Saturday, August 10. The festival showcases the work of many artists and aspiring artists from the West Devon area.

Several hundred works will be displayed across the Charter Hall, the Ockment Centre hall, the John Young Gallery in the Museum of Dartmoor Life and the new sports pavilion in Simmons Park.

The aim is to support and promote the visual arts community, as well as to inspire and encourage new artists to pursue creative expression. Many artists, art groups, clubs and schools have submitted paintings, drawings and photography for display.

During the festival there will be several free workshops aimed at encouraging people to explore their artistic and creative side. People of all ages and abilities are invited to apply to participate in these free events. The workshops will be presented by local, established artists.

Friday, August 9 sees Anna Georghieu and Phil Bird present 'Vision and Imagination' at the Ockment Centre, a painting and drawing workshop for the visually adventurous, using an experimental and improvised approach.

On the same day the Ockment Centre will host 'Graphic Art' with Stephen Park, a workshop aimed at youngsters who would like to explore and create graphic motifs for printing on t-shirts.

The festival exhibitions will be open from 9am to 5pm daily. Entrance to each exhibition is free. Support, funding and encouragement has come from Okehampton United Charity, Okehampton Town Council, West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council.