LEDBURY is one of the hot spots of Herefordshire Art Week (h.Art), a new event which runs from September 7-15.

Four local artists are opening their studios and there are three special exhibitions in and around the town as part of the countywide festival.

Abstract painter Peter Arscott, who moved to the county from Barcelona ten years ago, is opening his Church Lane studio to the public for the first time and will be showing previously unseen work as well as some older pieces.

Textile artist Angie Hughes, whose commission for the Ledbury Poetry Festival was unveiled by Poet Laureate Andrew Motion at the town's new hospital in July, will be sharing her studio space in Lawnside Road with other artists, as well as showing a range of her own work, from small framed embroideries to large wallhangings.

"I really hope local people will take this opportunity to visit us in our studios and treat it as a bit of fun," said Mr Arscott. "There really is no expectation to buy anything, it's just a great chance to get access to all kinds of art and talk to the makers about their work."

Ceramicists Jon Williams and Sarah Monk are also opening their Eastnor Pottery studios, and will be taking several pottery workshops over the h.Art weekends, including a family drop-in workshop on Sunday, September 15.

Jon and Sarah, as well as Angie Hughes, have been selected to show their work at the h.Art Open Exhibition at Hereford's Left Bank Village.

Eastnor neighbour, Roger Oates Design Studio, is putting on a special exhibition of archive designs by Roger Oates and Fay Morgan. The Shell House Gallery in Ledbury's Homend is displaying portraits by artist-in-residence Graham Kershaw, who lives in the town and who will be at the gallery during the week so visitors can talk to him about his work.

Willow Works, in Skipp Alley, is showing the work of several local artists and putting on demonstrations. On Monday, September 9, Jenny Pearce will demonstrate willow basket making, and on Wednesday, September 11, Steve Crofts will show how to make willow wigwams.

Artists from the Bromyard area will be showing at Warren Farm at the National Trust's Brockhampton estate. At Bringsty Arts Studio, on Bringsty Common, Ian Buckley will be running jewellery courses and at the Courtyard, Old Rectory, Stoke Lacy, Clare and Mark de la Torre will be exhibiting jewellery and ceramics. At the Old Thatch Cottage, Brockhampton, Nicola Hopwood's contemporary stained glass and Jane Smith's poem-creations are on show.

The free h.Art guide is available from tourist information centres, libraries and galleries, or on 01568 797842.