Last year the work covered a wide range of the visual arts, including printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics and much more. It’s an exciting opportunity for visitors to not only see where and how the artists work but to buy direct from the makers. In addition to the Open Studios, exhibitions of work will be held in a number of venues across North Wales throughout the summer, including Theatr Clwyd and the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, Conwy.

Visual artists in Conwy and Denbighshire who are looking for the perfect opportunity to promote and sell their work should get in touch with the Helfa Gelf team.

For an application form, contact the information point – Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, Crown Lane, Conwy – 01492 593413. For general enquiries contact Conwy Arts Service 01492 575572

For further information contact Llandudno library on 01492 574010

For further details contact Colwyn Bay Library on 01492 532358

Some information provided by Llangollen International Pavilion:

The great Christmas art hunt!

Some of Wales’ finest artists will be offering bespoke gifts for people looking for something a little bit different this Christmas.

Over 25 exceptional artists and crafts people living and working in Wales will be exhibiting, selling and taking commissions on work of the highest quality at a special event at the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen on Sunday, November 26.

The event is being organised by arts officer Clare Williams and will include paintings, ceramics, prints, jewellery, photographs, masks, quilts, watercolours, embroidery, etchings, baskets and many other crafts and art forms.

Clare said: “This event will bring together some of the best artists and craftspeople in Wales, and all of the work on display will be of exceptionally high quality.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to come and find that Christmas present with a difference, with the chance to buy on the day or commission work by their favourite artist.”

The event promises to be a great day out for all the family, with workshops throughout the day, live music from Welsh folk band Brigyn, refreshments and more.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, November 26. Tickets are £2 on the door. For more information contact the Royal International Pavilion on 01978 860111.

In partnership with The Royal Cambrian Academy, we’re running another FREE workshop for artists. Our third workshop is ‘Presenting professionally – exhibiting tips and tricks’. David Huntington will run the workshop on Monday 20th November at the Royal Cambrian Academy and will cover many aspects of exhibiting and submitting works to galleries..

David Huntington trained in Graphic Design and has been working in Museums and Art Galleries since 1974. He was Exhibition Technician at Oriel Mostyn for several years before becoming Exhibitions Officer at Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery and Exhibition Technician at the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1992. He estimates that he has hung at least 270 exhibitions of two and three dimensional pieces over the last 14 years so if anyone knows anything about exhibiting art work – David is your man!

The times are 10am – 1pm or 2 – 5pm. Monday 20th November 2006

Contact Royal Cambrian Academy on 01492 593413 to book your place.

Maria Hayes leads the next session entitled ‘How to value yourself - what price a commission?’ dealing with a many aspects of pricing and promoting yourself as a self-employed artist. Maria is a very well respected artist and tutor - the session is a must for all practicing artists.

Contact Royal Cambrian Academy to reserve your place ASAP. Either morning session (10 - 1) or afternoon (2 - 5).

01492 593413