THE Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton hosted the launch of a county-wide celebration of culture this week, as artists across Devon open up their studios and display their work for free. The launch on Tuesday marked the beginning of Devonartworks 2007, although the open studios event will run from September 8 to 23. The museum is hosting a free taster exhibition of work by various artists, and is already open. Exhibits include a constantly running series of short films, such as ?The lady dances on the head of a pin,? and a shed, in which visitors can place their stories and thoughts about Dartmoor, as well as more conventional paintings. Okehampton artists Lucia Yonge and Nadia Tracy are opening their studios, and there will also be exhibitions in South Tawton and Northlew. In Chagford, Murchington, Gidleigh and Throwleigh 14 artists and craftspeople have got together to mark out an art trail. Murchington ceramicist Virginia Richards said: ?The best thing for people to do is to look out for the arrows from Chagford Square. They can go on a lovely country walk or they can take a car or a bike. ?They will get to see a felt maker, paintings, photography, ceramics and mixed media in very different settings.? Details of venues and opening times are published in a booklet available from libraries, tourist information centres and the Museum of Dartmoor Life. Further details are also available online at http://www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk">www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk
