TWO Craven craftspeople are hard at work in preparation for an event that attracts thousands of visitors to the Dales from all over England.

Artist Hannah Chesterman and potter David Ashby are gearing up for North Yorkshire Open Studio's 2006, which gives members of public the opportunity to talk to and watch craftsmen at work in their own workshops.

The event, to be held over three consecutive weekends in June, will feature more than 100 professionals in North Yorkshire.

Miss Chesterman, 40, who lives in Skipton, has been a practising artist for the past 17 years, the last six at the Art Garden in Grassington.

She said that last year's Open Studios event provided a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other artists.

She said: "It has brought together a whole group of artists - the art scene in Grassington is beginning to grow. It's great to meet other artists in the area."

The mother-of-three predominately paints with watercolours and gains much of her inspiration from the Dales. She regularly goes out walking armed with her camera to record the much-changing skyline and scenery.

She said: "I come across the same scene a hundred times but each time it can be different. It would be fair to say that besides the paintbrush my camera is my most useful tool."

The former employee of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: "My aim is to infuse the paintings with light and colour in a way that side-steps the more traditional style of Yorkshire landscape."

Artistic flair appears to run in the family - both her parents were artists and her daughter, Alice, had artwork published on two occasions before she turned 11.

After last year's Open Studios event, Miss Chesterman was invited to co-exhibit at four exhibitions and gained a number of repeat customers.

Buyers included the hugely popular travel writer Bill Bryson, who used to live in Malhamdale, and Brian Keenan, a former hostage and author of "An Evil Cradling".

Potter David Ashby creates all his work on site at the Courtyard Pottery in Grassington.

He also hailed last year's Open Studios event as a success.

"It's a great way of getting together and connecting with each other. We are all talking to each other and there has been a lot of spin-offs," he added.

Visitors to his pottery can see examples of his work at various stages - he has two kilns and a wheel at the former doctor's surgery just off the Main Street.

He added: "We don't do it for the money, we are making something that will hopefully last."

Mr Ashby, whose work has been sold to buyers in Japan and America, added: "You have got to have a certain temperament to be a potter. I love the idea that you start off with a bit of clay and make something from it."

To coincide with Open Studios, a showcase exhibition will run from June 10 to July 2 at The Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate.

A spokesman said: "Open Studios is a celebration of professional arts practice and local creativity."

To obtain a catalogue send an A4 SAE (71p) to the organisers, Art Connections, The Art Depot, Asquith Industrial Estate, Eshton Road, Gargrave, BD23 3SE, or telephone 01756 748529.