Open arts festival is a hit across the county

Open arts, New Mills, Ruth Marsden in her studio

The free, open-door event featured 294 artists showcasing their work across 71 venues in Derbyshire – from the tip of the Peak District National Park, near Manchester, down through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site into the city of Derby, and beyond.

It was held over the bank holiday weekend of May 28, 29 and 30.

Ally Rodgers, founder and chairman of Derbyshire Open Arts, said: “For our visitors, it is a chance to find out what inspires real artists, to interact with how they go about their work.”

Open arts, New Mills, jewellery maker Jenny Rothwell

She said the three-day event helped “keep Derbyshire well and truly on the map, both nationally and internationally; contributing to the creative economy and spreading the word that Derbyshire continues to build on its entrepreneurial and innovative heritage”.

Work on display included ceramic arts, handcrafted jewellery, oil paintings and textiles.

The inaugural Derbyshire Open Arts event took place in 2006 and marked the beginning of a popular event.

For more information and to get involved, visit their website www.derbyshireopenarts.co.uk.