An open space for artists in Kingston will celebrate its tenth anniversary next month.

Fusion Arts, a converted office block in Eden Street which rents studio space to artists, was opened in 2004 by painter and former advertising director Janie Harland.

She said: “It’s astonishing, given there’s been a recession in the middle and I set it up by myself. I suddenly got a renewed enthusiasm for it.

“The range of people that we’ve got is quite extraordinary. There’s a great energy in the place.”

Kingston University was the first tenant, and Fusion Arts later supplied paintings for the Rose Theatre and the William Rous unit at Kingston Hospital.

It has also run community projects with children from Kingston Grammar School, Coombe Girls School and Tiffin Boys School.

The charity will hold an open weekend with artwork for sale on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.

Ms Harland added: “Everyone is going to be available to chat to or just watch. We’re trying to make it as open and friendly as possible.”

For information, visit the website.