Teignbridge Nine Days of Art, which will feature the work of more than 100 artists, got off to a fantastic start with a launch at Haldon Forest on Tuesday. The art fest, which starts tomorrow, offers visitors a unique chance to meet with artists in their studios and daily working environment, places often hidden from the public eye. This provides a different experience for the visitor, who usually learns to appreciate art in the more clinical surroundings of galleries and exhibition spaces. Talented artists from the district will be exhibiting their work at more than 50 venues, including the forest, during the event, which is sponsored by the Mid-Devon Advertiser series. Teignbridge council chairman Cllr Beryl Austen, councillors and some of the artists exhibiting came together to celebrate the major arts extravaganza at the launch. 'It has been running in Teignbridge for five years,' said Doff Pollard, arts development officer at Teignbridge Council. 'The event is a milestone in the year for artists and it gives them a point to work forwards to and it gives the public a chance to see work done by the artists. 'The artists put in a lot of commitment to take part.' Liz Lockyear, who will be exhibiting at Mallands Barn, Ingsdon, with four other artists, also has an exhibit at Haldon Forest. Her huge piece of artwork, shaped like a bird and titled Motherhood Revisited, hangs high in the trees. 'It is supposed to symbolise children flying the nest and a sense of adventure,' she said. 'The bird is made of an old marquee as I use recycled materials for my artwork.' It is her first time exhibiting in Nine Days of Art. 'It is a good opportunity to interact with the public and explain my work and it encourages people to go and see art,' she said. Fellow artist Ben Yates, who is also exhibiting at Mallands Barn, has art work in the forest. He has used the trees as a giant canvas and using a projector has made a mural on the bark. While at Mallands Barn, visitors will be able to enjoy Ben's 3D structures. 'I am keen to establish myself in the art world and think that by taking part it may help,' said Mr yates. 'I am now really concentrating on my art work and in October will be exhibiting in London.' Artists in Teignbridge work with a wide variety of materials to produce diverse work. This year the artwork will include painting sculpture, ceramics, textiles, wood, metalwork, stone work, mosaics, glass, jewellery, willow work, photography to name but a few. To find out more, look out for the purple Teignbridge Nine Days Of Art Brochure at libraries, tourist information centres, shops and businesses. More information about the arts festival can also be found in our Focus section. Nine Days Of Art continues until September 17.