Members of the public will be able to go behind the scenes at forty artist studios across Teignbridge in September as part of the Devon Open Studios initiative.

Organised by the Devon Artist Network, the 16-day event will see artists opening their studios to show the public where their art is made, how their ideas evolve, and how their materials come to life.

‘These are often surprising and personal environments,’ a Devon Artist Network spokesperson said. ‘From tucked away cabins to busy town centre studios; it’s a chance to meet artists, hear the stories behind their work and enjoy meaningful conversations about the creative process.’

Artists taking part are at all stages of their careers from well-established names to emerging talents. Two of the artists taking part in Teignbridge have been awarded ‘emerging artist’ bursaries by the Devon Artist Network: Sharon Loddey based at Seale Hayne and Kate Rattray at Ullacombe Barn in Bovey Tracey.

Sharon is an artist and poet who explores themes around memory, connection and the weight of personal history in her art. Sharon often runs workshops for young people at her Seale Hayne studio near Newton Abbot where she shares her love of the therapeutic side of art and focuses on the importance of the process of creating art. Sharon’s art is inspired by poetry, song lyrics, and collectables and her paintings and prints use a collage effect to represent the layering emotion and meaning.

Kate’s bursary follows a change in direction from mosaics to lino printmaking, pen and ink, painting and writing. Kate, also known as The Dreaming Lark, makes her own inks and paper from ingredients she has sustainably foraged on or around Dartmoor. Her latest work explores the magical and mythical landscape of Dartmoor and its folklore.

As well as group studios, such as Green Hill in Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor New Horizons at Neadon Barn in Manaton, the Makers Barn at Ashburton and the Devon Jewellery Quarter in Chudleigh, many individual artists are opening up the doors to their studios. Painter Jane Hodgson, who works with oils, metal powders and film made from natural materials on canvas, is exhibiting at her home studio in Bovey Tracey alongside emerging abstract sculpture artist Sarah Faithfull. Meanwhile, ceramicist Alison Miles will be sharing her handbuilt porcelain tea-light houses, vases, dishes and trays from her Shaldon studio.

Devon Open Studios runs from Saturday September 6 until Sunday September 21. As well as studio visits, many artists are also running workshops and talks. Individual studio opening times vary and full details can be found at www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

A launch event for the 2025 Devon Open Studios is taking place at Teignmouth Arts Action Group (TAAG) on Northumberland Place in Teignmouth at 5pm on September 6 to celebrate the arts hub and community gallery’s birthday.

Devon Open Studios began around 20 years ago and this year nearly 400 artists will open the doors to 170 studios and venues across the county. The event showcases a range of art from painting, printmaking, pottery and sculpture to glass, jewellery, textiles and more.