WENSLEYDALE artist Winifred Hodge said she was chuffed when the winner of the North Yorkshire Open Studio 2007 draw opted to spend the £200 prize on one of her paintings.

But it took months for her to have a large enough choice for Dr David Lankester, of Harrogate, to make a selection from. He and his wife visited her studio in Redmire recently to pick a painting.

In May, she will open her studio to the public for the first time during this year's open studios event. Last year, she shared Nancy Murgatroyd's gallery at Middleham, and that is where the Lankesters spotted her work.

The 2008 North Yorkshire Open Studios begins with a taster exhibition at which each of the artists involved will display two pieces of their work in The Station at Richmond. That exhibition runs from Saturday, May 3, to Wednesday, May 14.

The studios of more than 100 contemporary artists and makers will be open from May 17-18, and over the bank holiday weekend of May 24-26.

There is no entry fee to any of the studios, which are grouped geographically in the Dales, Central area of North Yorkshire and Moors and Coast.

This year, more than 30 artists have joined the scheme, which will ensure there is something fresh for visitors to see. The studios range from bedrooms to barns All works have been carefully selected and include craft-based work, sculpture and furniture as well as paintings and prints.

A colour brochure is available listing all the studios, names of artists and craftspeople, with maps for each area. For full details, contact Art Connections, tel 01756-748529 or see www. art-connections.org.uk.

This year. Art Connections is collaborating with Arts in Richmondshire, Create in Scarborough and Rural Arts in Thirsk to organise this event.