DEDICATED artists determined not to be beaten by coronavirus are taking their art to the people by creating showpiece films of their work.

Artists across North Yorkshire stage Open Studios every June to showcase their creations and help create a marketplace for their paintings, ceramics and sculptures.

In the face of the pandemic crisis the event had to be cancelled, but 62 of the artists refused to give in and decided if people couldn’t come to them, they would go to them - virtually.

North Yorkshire Open Studios committee member painter Debbie Loane said the artists set to work filming not only their finished pieces but creating a kaleidoscopic insight into the way they work.

Independent filmmaker Josh Hallerton from Inside Story Video did the editing.

Debbie said: “Many artists plan their calendar around this event and for some it represents a substantial proportion of their annual income, so to lose the Art Trail overnight would have been a huge blow to many of the participating artists.

“For these artists, who derive their living from their creative practice, it was important not to postpone until next year but to take action to secure their income straight away.

“From painting and printmaking to textiles and metalworking, this is a truly unique opportunity to take up an invitation from the masters of their crafts.

“Since lockdown the appetite for buying art online has been strong and we’re feeling very optimistic.

“Moreover, the event which was previously restricted to a largely county based audience has now, through social media, the potential to reach a national and quite possibly international audience.

“This could well lead to new ideas and opportunities for our artists and the event next year,” she added.

The creative trail, run by Artists for Artists, takes viewers all over the county from the coast, the National Parks of the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and many picturesque villages and market towns.

Debbie said: “Experiencing the studios is a chance to really appreciate the creative process, from initial inspiration to completed work, and to meet and get to know the artists.

“Viewers will be able to see secret studio spaces, watch them at work and browse beautiful collections that can be delivered straight to their door.

The four-day schedule of films, are being broadcast on the North Yorkshire Open Studios facebook page on June 6 and 7 and June 13 and 14 offering an armchair tour of some of the region’s leading artists.

The artists’ details will also be on the facebook page.