ART fans can get up close and personal with Somerset artists – and their work – as an open studios event returns for the first time since 2018.

Tomorrow (September 16) sees the start of Somerset Open Studios, with a flurry of activity in creative spaces across the county.

Running until October 1, more than 300 artists and makers are taking part, opening their doors to visitors to give them an insight into the creative process.

This year’s Guide cover artist, printmaker Julian Manning, has taken part since the very first event in 1994.

“Somerset Open Studios means endless chat, people from the past, meeting old friends, locals who have no idea of what goes on behind our garden gate and buyers who have made the effort to come from far away – a happy, exhausting time,” he said.

This year, Somerset Art Works (SAW) has developed new ways for audiences to find out more about the artists and events featuring – and the journey of discovery that visitors can go on.

An artist profile campaign, In The Studio, provides a series of special interviews on the SAW website, delving deeper into the process, studio secrets and thoughts behind the work.

Meanwhile, a SAW Members’ group show, Behind The Scenes, examines artists’ preoccupations at this time, with a large display of artwork in various artforms at the Taunton Brewhouse theatre.

Artists have been invited to submit one artwork, accompanied by a brief statement which looks at where artists find themselves, and their practice, after the past three years.

SAW is also working with Visit Somerset in a new initiative to give an increased presence for the event, and its artists, on the Visit Somerset website.

And the much-loved Somerset Open Studios Guide returns, available in cultural centres, libraries and tourist information points across the county and beyond.

Full details are also available on the Somerset Open Studios App, available to download for iPhone and Android, as well as the Open Studios page on the SAW website, with a full Event Calendar, and details about Family Friendly Weekend activities.

For more details, and to plan a visit, log on to somersetartworks.org.uk or visitsomerset.co.uk.