TWO artists from Northlew now feature in the Devon Open Studios 2009 guide, which was published last week.

The free guide features more than 130 full-colour images of artwork, including sculpture, ceramics, paintings, woodwork and textiles.

Patricia Lomax, who lives on the edge of Northlew and who has been included in the guide, said: 'I'm so lucky to have this superb new studio to welcome visitors into.

'Being relatively new to Devon, I hope to meet lots of new people interested in art during the open studios event.

'The guide is a must-have for this September and people shouldn't miss out on this very special chance to visit all kinds of studios in the area — and it's all free.'

Val Hampson, who also lives on the edge of Northlew, has become known locally for her farmyard series of giclee prints and regularly exhibits as part of the South Tawton Art Group (STAG).

She said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for me to be a part of the thriving arts scene in Devon and I am delighted to be opening my new studio for the first time for open studios.

'The clever thing about the guide is that not only can it sit in the library, gallery or hotel, but it can also be handily carried in the glove box of a car, helping people to make the most of all the studios available.'

Maps, directions to studios and a description of artists' work, in the guide. It is designed to help visitors to plan their own art trail, with an opportunity to combine browsing art with enjoyment of the county's scenery.

Free copies are now available at tourist information centres, libraries, galleries and hotels.

Open Studios 2009 runs from Saturday, September 5 to Sunday, September 20.