Investigate behind the studio doors of South East ArtistS (SEAS) around Deal with opportunities to admire, buy or commission stunning new creations.

A diverse range of work by 32 professional and amateur artists can be seen at the seventh open studios this weekend (July 7/8) and next (July 14/15).

Pieces by 10 artists can be seen at the Astor Community Theatre in Stanhope Road this weekend only.

It is the seventh year of SEAS Open Studios, run in conjunction with Deal Festival Of Music and Arts.

Sculpture, paintings, conceptual art, screen prints, jewellery, photography, ceramics, fused glass are all part of the eclectic, festive occasion.

There will be workshops, music, poetry and refreshments available at some of the studios.

SEAS is a self funding and voluntary organisation to promote, support and provides a network for Deal’s vibrant artistic community which currently has no purpose built venue.

Chairman and Open Studios co-ordinator Marilyn Williams said: "We are delighted to invite everyone to explore our summer open studios and to visit working artists in their homes where they will share their processes and explain how they develop their ideas, concepts, philosophies and aesthetics.

"It is an amazing window on what is going on in Deal and a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet and talk to the artists about their creative processes."

Studios will be open from 11am-6pm and the Astor from 10am-5pm.

* For full story and also to find out about a SEAS garden to visit, see the East Kent Mercury on Thursday, July 5.

* For more details pick up a copy of the SEAS brochure from the Tourist Information Centre, Mercury Office, Deal Pier and other local shops, or see the websitehttp://www.searts.co.uk/

Contact SEAS by email:seasartgroup@hotmail.com or on 01304 363118.

* Deal Festival stories, plus details of a £10 reader discount on a Barber of Seville family ticket, see Leisure Time on pages 26-27 of the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury.