ARTISTS in West Devon are playing a major role in the county's Nine Days of Art extravaganza which starts this weekend.

The art week — which organisers say is becoming the fastest growing art event in the country — will offer something for everyone with more than 400 artists exhibiting a range of artforms, plus public installations, masterclasses, workshops and demonstrations.

Organised by the STRAW Project — Skills Training and Rural Arts Week — it has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and a Regional Arts Lottery Programme grant.

West Devon Borough Council, along with other local authorities in the county, has played a leading role in the project.

Rah Rivers, West Devon's Arts Officer, said: 'This has been an excellent opportunity to help raise the profile of local visual artists and to support and promote professional artists whose work provides at least some of their financial income.'

Nine Days of Art co-ordinator Caroline Corfe said last year's event attracted more than 12,000 visitors.

'This year we are confident this will prove exciting, enlightening, and inspiring for everybody — don't miss it!' she said.

A free colour catalogue sets out the art trails, with details of the participating artists, venues, and galleries, and will raise awareness of the richness and depth of creative industry in rural Devon.

The event has the support of internationally-known Devon artists like Sandy Brown, Heather Jansch, Bridget McCrum, and Patrick Jones, who are participating alongside the less well known.

North Devon artists, including those in Okehampton, started the event on Saturday (September 14) and will have their doors open to the public until Sunday 22 September. South Devon artists (those south of the A30 and east of the M5) cross over from Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 September 2002.

In the more southern half of the county, the open studios event kicks off with a stunning mix of timeless stone and new creativity.

Devon artist Mat Chiver's work 'Incunabula' will launch the Southern project on September 21, in the stunning surrounds of Buckland Abbey near Yelverton.

Installations of earth painted banners made by people from local communities with the help of Tavistock artist Maggie Squire are on show at Tavistock Bus Station and on the main street of Okehampton.

Artist Mary Gillett, who works from her studio at Gulworthy Farm near Tavistock, said people find the event demystifies art: 'You can talk to the artists whereas in a gallery you cannot because they aren't there. You are told talking to a third party so you get secondhand information.'

She said this event was 'informal but official' so that you know where ever you visit you will be welcomed.

'The artists taking part want to share their work with as many people as possible,' she said.

Eleven members of the Tavistock Group of Artists are exhibiting their paintings at the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock from Saturday to Friday, September 27. The artists are both professional and self taught.

Brochures are available from Tavistock and Okehampton Tourist Information Centres and from West Devon Borough Council offices in both towns.

Alternatively visit the event's official website at http://www.ninedaysofart.co.uk">www.ninedaysofart.co.uk for more information, or phone Rah Rivers, Arts Development Officer at the council, on 01822 813600.