Despite Stow-on-the-Wold’s modest size as a town, it boasts a number of fine art galleries.

And a new event will this year be held in the town to celebrate art in all of its forms.

Stow Art Week will take place from Saturday 28th September to Sunday 6th October, and will feature exhibitions, workshops and talks in ten galleries in and around the town.

Some of the venues involved include 1793 Gallery, Clarendon Fine Art and The Fosse Gallery.

Simon Shore, owner of 1793, said: “Stow Art Week is a celebration of fine art and the galleries here in Stow.

“The initial concept of creating Stow Art Week is to create an atmosphere which inspires, educates, encourages and supports Stow as a recognised centre for the arts.”

The week will see visitors able to view works by esteemed artists like Tracey Emin and Mark Edwards, and also the late John Nash, whose watercolours have been seen very rarely by the public.

Also on offer will be workshops from glass engraver Helen Millard and local artists Lindy Allfrey and Annabel Playfair amongst many others.

There will be talks and discussions with Sean Clarke and Martin Elliott, and Peter Martin – one of Canada’s most respected photojournalists who also runs a gallery in Stow – will be holding ‘Movie Nights’ featuring documentaries on well-known photographers and their careers.

Iona Sale, who handles promotion for Stow Art Week, sums it up nicely.

She said: “Over the last few years Stow-on-the-Wold has become the hub for a great number of galleries displaying a diverse range of art including paintings, drawings, illustrations, sculpture, printmaking, from the classical to the contemporary and much more.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the artists, view their work, wander into the galleries and talk to the gallery owners and share their wealth of experience.”

For more information visit www.stowartweek.com