PRINTS and paintings inspired by Devon's amazing countryside and beaches will be the focus of an exhibition of new work by Heidi Koenig at the Duchy Square Centre for Creativity this month.

Heidi's contemporary abstract prints and paintings will be on display in the downstairs gallery at Duchy Square, which is also playing host to one of a series of taster exhibitions by members of Devon Open Studios in the upstairs gallery.

Devon Open Studios is the largest open studio event featuring the work of more than 230 artists and makers across 11 venues between September 5 and 20, including the five taster exhibitions.

Along with Heidi's exhibition, around 30 members of the Open Studios event will have their work on display at Duchy Square, which joins Exeter Phoenix Galleries, and Great Torrington's Plough Arts Centre, among others, as the venues for the taster exhibitions.

Born in Germany in 1964, Heidi, who lives in Tavistock and has a workshop in Exeter, attained a first class honours degree in Fine Art Printmaking at Brighton University, before going on to study for a Postgraduate Diploma of Fine Art Printmaking at Slade School of Fine Art.

She has staged a number of solo exhibitions over the last decade, including the CCA Galleries in London, Oxford's Inspires Gallery and at a number of venues in the Westcountry.

Influenced by the works of Rothko, Frankenthaler and Matisse, Heidi is recognised as one of the strongest artists to graduate from the prestigious Slade School and her enigmatic and energetic images are in demand worldwide.

Opened in March and supported by a number of organisations, including Duchy of Cornwall and Devon County Council, the Duchy Square Centre for Creativity offers low cost workshop space on two floors and is helping boost the local economy by connecting local businesses with other key industry sectors.

 The artists and creative practitioners take part in workshops organised by the centre, but also stage their own sessions with smaller groups in their own studios. Anyone wishing to find out more should call 01822 890828 or visit the website http://www.duchysquare.org">www.duchysquare.org