TWO West Devon artists are among the winners of five 'Emerging Artist Bursaries', organised by Devon Open Studios 2012.

The 'Emerging Artist Bursary' aims to identify emerging artists and assist them at a critical juncture in their professional development by helping to fund their participation in the prestigious annual open studios event.

Last September, 146 artists and craftspeople took part in Devon Open Studios. Almost 20,000 visits were made, and sales and commissions totalled more than £192,000.

Among the five bursary winners who will take part in this year's event are Steve Bennett from Meeth and Fi Smart from Milton Combe.

Stephen is a writer, poet and potter, who moved to Devon late last year with the intention of setting up a small pottery studio. Many of his ceramic pieces incorporate text. He also works in voluntary conservation and is currently exploring ways to marry his conservation work with his art.

Originally from a legal background, Fi Smart stumbled upon printmaking when she completed a print class with Mary Gillett in 2008 and was hooked. Since then she has been to regular evening classes and workshops to catch up on lost time.

Fi is enjoying the challenge of articulating ideas through print and is excited to encourage people to visit her studio in West Devon and increase public awareness of printmaking.

Claire McLaughlin, Devon Open Studios Co-ordinator said: 'Many artists are struggling in the current economic climate and Devon Open Studios can be a crucial opening for artists at an early point in their career.

'The bursaries will help get them started and may make all the difference between being part of the event or missing out on really valuable publicity and exposure to the public.

'We look forward to seeing their work during their shows.'

The 'Emerging Artist Bursary' scheme is sponsored by Chagford-based Helpful Holidays.

Helen Hayes, of Helpful Holidays, said: 'The whole event is a delight to be involved with. There is always a great selection of artists working in different styles which is always exciting to see, we hope the bursary will help them in some way to grow.'

To be eligible for the award, the artists had to be based in Devon and in the early years of their professional practice. Artists were required to submit a written account of their artistic objectives along with three samples of their work.

The chosen winners were either returning to creative practice after a career break or change, or taking their art in a new direction.

Devon Open Studios 2012 takes takes place between September 8 to 23.