ALTHOUGH artists have had to dip their hands into their pockets, Here-fordshire art week is back for business.

What sprang from a pot of cultural services cash in 2002 looked as if it might dry up when the initial funding package came to an end, but the success of the first three years has proved enough to encourage artists that a little bit of investment pays off.

h.Art celebrates the artists and craftmakers who have chosen Herefordshire as their base, and runs for nine days from September 10-18.

The public has the chance to visit artists in their studios, discuss their inspiration and technique and buy direct.

Although for many artists this process of opening up is pretty painful, it is encouraging to have positive feedback - none more so than in the form of sales.

"After a deep breath a lot of artists realised that for the amount of exposure they'd get a lot for their £65," co-ordinator Amanda Fitzwilliams said.

"We hope it promotes art and brings people into the area, and have plans to grow the event in future using links with Herefordshire Council tourism."

The 38-page pink guide, out this week, features over 200 artists at 95 venues across the county.

They work in a range of media including pastels and oils, ceramics and woodcarving, printing and textiles, stained glass and photography.

A centrepiece of the event - the open exhibition - is once again being held at Hereford's Museum and Art Gallery in Broad Street.

Featuring 15 of the best artists in the area, all but two are new to the show.

Other special events include a second outing to Art in the Woods - the hugely popular creative weekend at Queenswood Country Park, and Car Culture - a series of events and installations linking the Courtyard with the site of the former Garrick Theatre, now a multi-story car park.

Copies of the h.Art guide are available at local libraries and TICs. For further details call 01568 797842 or visit www.h-art.org.uk