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Art lovers across the South East can gain a unique insight into the creative process when artists across the region throw open their studio doors to the public next month.

Now in its 13th year, South East Open Studios 2009 will feature displays of work by 271 painters, sculptors, ceramicists and mixed media artists throughout Kent and East Sussex.
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SEOS chairman Franny Swann says the annual event will benefit both the visitors and the artists themselves.

"It's quite a lonely occupation and this is one of the few times you can get feedback from people who are not in the art world," she says. "It's also a lot more than just the experience of going to an art exhibition. It's a chance to be allowed into that magic."

The event includes a wide variety of art forms displayed by amateurs and professionals in venues ranging from tents, conservatories and quirky little studios to large commercial studios.

A new feature for this year's SEOS fortnight is the creation of eight art trails for people to follow by car, bicycle or on foot, with itineraries mapped out in eight areas, including Benenden, Edenbridge, Langton Green and Wadhurst. Details of each trail can be downloaded from the SEOS website. It is the latest innovation introduced by Franny and the SEOS committee, the members of which the Farningham-based painter hails as "dedicated and hard working".

The 56-year-old, who is stepping down after three years at the helm, says: "We're one of the biggest and one of the oldest groups in the country. SEOS started in the Sevenoaks area with 46 artists so we've expanded tremendously. There are lots of open studios in the UK now. We were one of the first but we cover an enormous area, right the way down to Brighton, which makes running it more difficult."

Franny says using the open studio event to gain direct access to an artist increases the buyer's appreciation and enjoyment of the work every time they look at it.

"Interaction with an artist makes that painting much more valuable than if you have just bought it from the gallery wall," she says.

"If you enjoy the personal connection and enjoy what you have purchased you go back again and consequently a lot of our artists have followings."

Although she can't promise it happens everywhere, Franny says some artists have been known to offer visitors cups of tea and even the odd glass of wine. But whether refreshment is available or not, the experience is sure to be something well worth trying.

SEOS runs from June 5 to 21

Admission free

Visit www.seos-art.org