See into South East Open Studios

3:20pm Tuesday 27th May 2008

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Artists, for many, are mysterious, behind-the-scenes figures and all the public ever know of them is their artwork. So anyone who has ever looked at a finished piece and wondered how it was created will relish the chance to peek inside artists' studios as part of the South East Open Studios (SEOS) events this June.

The SEOS chairman and participating artist Franny Swann says the open studios are a great way of demystifying artists.

"The public often think artists are different to everyone else, and of course they're not."

"The public often think artists are different to everyone else, and of course they're not," said Franny. "We want them to get into studios and see that. We have all different types of studios, barns, garden sheds and council studios. There is something magical about a studio."

This year's event - which acts as a year-round network for the artists involved - has 265 artists, the biggest number the SEOS has ever had.

"There is something magical about a studio."

Franny feels it is important for the public to experience art in places other than galleries.

"The public come in and meet the artist in a non-threatening environment," she said of the event's appeal.

"They can talk to them and find about their technique and what inspires them.

"Many because people find it different to observing art in a gallery. And we, the artists, get feedback from people, you need that two-way street between artists and visitors."

From June 6 to June 22, various venues. Find artists at seos-art.org