ENJOY the chance to spend a leisurely weekend visiting colourful and creative studio spaces of York’s potters, painters, jewellers and many other artists and designer makers.

This popular free event is the chance to explore creative spaces that are rarely open to the public. Be inspired, discover new techniques, buy work directly from the artist or even try your hand at something new.

With 149 selected artists, discover hidden parts of York, from historic streets, to leafy suburbs and country cottages while tracking down studios of all shapes and sizes.

Must-see studios include Emily Sutton, dubbed by Tatler as the next Quentin Blake, she is an artist and illustrator whose work is inspired by the Yorkshire landscape and countryside, as well as treasures discovered in antique shops, museums and galleries. Her work is to be seen on children’s books including a V & A colouring book and she has just signed off the proofs for her second book with Michael Bond (the author of Paddington who died in 2017, aged 91). Many of Betty's beautiful teatime tins boast her delightful designs.

York is home to ceramicists Ruth King and Isa Denyer whose pots are the result of a lifetime of skill. Discover the beauty of wood through Marcus Jacka’s stunning handcrafted furniture and Dave Atkin’s lovingly-carved spoons. Treat yourself to a bespoke item of jewellery, with a range of contemporary designers taking part, such as Karen Ward whose fine gold and silver pieces derive from her beautifully observed drawings of plants and Jo Bagshaw whose designs embody simple lines and shapes.

Discover the lure of the printing press, with artists working in a range of techniques. The graphic linocuts of Michelle Hughes and Gerard Hobson are inspired by nature and the great British countryside, from bold landscapes and still life paintings to abstracts this is a chance to explore a dazzling array of painting techniques and styles.

Many of the venues feature groups of artists. Plan a trip to PICA studios, where you can discover illustrators, printmakers, potters and textile artists all under the same roof.

Chairman, Beccy Ridsdel said: "We're very lucky to live in such a vibrant, creative city with so many wonderful artists and craftspeople. We're really excited, pleased and proud to have more than 100 of them exhibiting in this year’s York Open Studios."

York Open Studios takes place on Saturday and Sunday April 6 and 7, and Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14 April, with studios open from 10am-5pm. For details and maps of all the studios, visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk and for a free copy of the event programme please register online or email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk.