Love art but feel intimidated walking into a gallery? For the next two weeks, artists will be opening up their studios to the public, providing them with an opportunity to meet them at work in an informal setting. What’s On found out more about this year’s South East Open Studio event.

Every year in June, artists and craftspeople invite the public in as part of South East Open Studios (SEOS).

It is a unique opportunity to meet, talk to and see them at work as well as view artwork ranging from traditional oil and watercolours to ceramics, textiles and fine metalwork.

Among the artists opening their studios to the public is Gill Bridgestock, who lives in Tenterden. Gill, who works primarily as a silversmith, has been taking part in SEOS since 2007 and in 2008 she set up a group of artists, the Tenterden Makers, who come together to show their work.

She said: “I have always been artistic, and I started taking an evening class in silversmith work in 2002 as a form of therapy and a way of meeting people, after contracting ME. In 2007 my father died and it made me think I needed to stop being scared and show people my work, so I decided to take part in South East Open Studios.

“I really enjoyed it, but I thought it would be better to do it as a group, as it would make visitors more comfortable, so I got together with some other local artists and formed the Tenterden Makers.”

The group is now made up of 11 artists who show their work in Gill’s home at 3 Station Road. She will be exhibiting a range of pieces in silver and pewter, from household objects such as fruit dishes to jewellery.

She said: “I love meeting the public, it is great to meet people who are genuinely interested in what I do. And I have also got to know so many artists, which is great as we normally all work in isolated fashion.”

The Tenterden Makers will be showing their work on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, and then from Thursday to Sunday for the following two weeks.

Entry to all venues taking part in SEOS are free, and items will be available for sale with prices from as little as £2.

Acting SEOS chairman Paul Williams said: “It is the most extensive open studio event in the South East and a great chance to discover the wealth of creative talent in the region, see artists at work and have a great day out.

“We hope that lots of people will take this once a year opportunity to visit some of our open studios and perhaps come away with a cherished work of art or craft that will give pleasure for many years to come.”

South East Open Studios runs from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 23. Search for venues in your local area at www.seos-art.org.