An amazing total of 265 artists, mainly from Kent, will throw open their studios to the public next week in the annual South East Open Studios.

In charge of publicity is Liz Garnett from Brabourne Lees, near Ashford. Liz, who will be opening her photographic studios in Mountbatten Way, said: “It has been growing each year since we started in 1996 and this year we’ve got a lot. Brochures on who’s where are available at tourist information centres, libraries and local council offices.”

Each year in June artists who live and work in Kent and East Sussex extend an open invitation to visitors to watch them work, ask questions and generally talk about the curios and sometimes mysterious processes of making art.

The event aims to bring all aspects of visual art and crafts to a wider audience by providing an opportunity to meet the artists at work while providing an informal network for artists, many of whom work in rural areas.

The colour guide serves as a year-round brochure as many artists open their doors again in the autumn or welcome visitors by appointment after the studio fortnight. Studios are open at varying times from Friday, June 6 until Sunday, June 22. Brochures can also be downloaded online at www.seos-art.org.