MORE than 200 artists will be taking part in this year’s h.Art event, the 11th time that the county’s artists and makers have opened their studios to demonstrate to thousands of visitors just what a wealth of creative talent there is in Herefordshire.

Among those whose work and working practices can be seen during the eight days are the three talented recipients of this year’s young artist bursaries, Ed Elliott, Hollie Goodwin and Emily Price.

Local sculptor Ed Elliott, 26, is one of three talented young artists to be recognised by h.Art, and the bursary has given him the opportunity to open the doors of his working studio at Trumpet Corner.

Ed won national acclaim with his National Trust commission, a powerful wooden angel figure with a 14ft wingspan, exhibited at Mottisfont in Hampshire, which led to him appearing on national TV and being featured in The Times.

“Working figuratively is a very direct way to communicate with the public,” he said.

“I think everyone can relate to the human form. I have devoted the last three years to working in wood, which reflects my love for this rural area, but I am now combining traditional methods with more contemporary techniques.

I’m super excited about working with other materials, developing in other directions.

“The angel series, considering the idea of a winged human, explores the physicality of flight as well as a sense of empathy with the idea of an immortal burden.

I think these sculptures have immediate presence because of the familiar subject matter.”

“Having my most recent angel sculpture selected for the front cover of the h.Art guide this year is a huge honour.

I hope it serves its purpose to inspire people to support h.Art.”

Ed’s work can also be seen at Stoke House, where it is exhibited alongside work by Nigel Montandon, David Preston and Deb Banks. As well as showcasing their work, Nigel and his wife Dafney will be offering refreshments to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts – the Peter Pan Nursery in Staffordshire, which provides specialist care for children under five with special needs, where their grandson will soon be going.

Nigel is a landscape artist and potter, whose work can be seen alongside pieces by artist blacksmith David Preston and painter Deb Banks.

Also receiving an h.Art young artist’s bursary is Hollie Goodwin, currently studying decorative arts at Nottingham Trent University, who produces wall hangings and lighting, created by hand embroidering drawings to create interesting images with a variety of textures, colours and lines.

Completing the trio is Emily Price, a master’s graduate of Goldsmiths College in London, whose work, Untitled – Video in a Shed 2010, was exhibited at The Courtyard during last year’s Borderlines Film Festival.

The piece was a documentation of memory, nostalgia and personal experience, a lament for dying British cultural traditions and rituals that celebrate community.

Emily’s work can be seen at Wharton Court, alongside the work of an eclectic mix of artists working in a variety of media.

h.Art runs from September 8-16.

For full details go to www.h-art.org.uk .