VISITORS will be welcomed through the doors of 26 artists’ studios – several not normally accessible to the public – during this year’s St Ives September Festival.

The Open Studios line-up ranges from larger venues like White’s Old Workshops in Porthmeor Road and the historic Gaolyard Studios in Dove Street to the home and garden studios of individual artists.

Eight artists, including recent arrival Ann Kelley, will be taking part at White’s Old Workshops with four potters and ceramicists involved at the Gaolyard Studios in Dove Street where their annual Cup Sale and Drinks event will be taking place from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, September 17.

New venues this year include the recently-opened garden studio of former Gaolyard ceramicist Sarah Dunstan at Lamorna in Gwel An Wheal, Emma Williams’ Studio in St Andrew’s Street, the Sloop Studio of mixed media artist Sharon McSwiney and Kim Potter’s Studio in The Drill Hall.

Julie Doyle, author and illustrator of three recently published children’s books, has moved to the Old Salthouse Gallery in Norway Square.

The recently-renovated historic Porthmeor Print Workshop in Back Road West will be open to visitors with the 25 members holding an exhibition of their work and demonstrations on September 17 and 24 and their founder Rachael Kantaris is also opening her workspace at Penwith Studios.

Full details of participating artists, with their opening days and times, are online at www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk