DEVON Artist Network has announced the winners of its five emerging artist bursaries, for Devon Open Studios 2011.

The bursary was a scheme supported by sponsors Helpful Holidays. It aimed to provide important professional development opportunities for emerging artists.

To be eligible for the award, the artists had to be based in Devon and were required to submit a written account of their artistic objectives along with three samples of their work. All artistic disciplines were considered among the many applicants. The chosen winners were either returning to creative practice after a career break or change, or taking their art in a new direction.

The five winners were: Kirstie Benbow, a mixed media artist; Amy McCarthy, a glass artist; Melanie Beer, painting and glass; Nigel Waters, a mixed media artist, and Francesca Dawson, drawings.

Linda Hajdukiewicz, the event co-ordinator, said:"We wanted to nurture and encourage new talent to take the next steps in their career by helping to fund their participation in this prestigious annual open studios event."

Devon Open Studios 2011 takes place from September 3 to September 18 across the county.