JOIN JANE CONTINUING TO MAKE SENSE OF ART
And this month Jane is looking forward to a summer of art trails.
I don’t know about you but I am so thrilled that we are leaving the cold, wet winter behind. Spring has certainly sprung and we are hurtling towards the summer. If the sun is out – I need to be out and fortunately we are getting better in this country at organising outside events – including a great many art trails across the country. I have just been to my 1st of the season – The Emsworth Art Trail.
These art trails can be split into 2 categories;
The 1st is often local council led in an effort to add artistic interest to a town or city centre as well as to encourage adults and children to explore their local environment. Paws on the Wharf is currently on, until 17th May, at Canary Wharf. 25 larger than life guide dogs have been painted by local artists, many incorporating tactile elements for the visually impaired. The guide dogs have been placed all over the Canary Wharf area, waiting to be found, touched and admired. At the end of the ‘exhibition’ the dogs will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the Guide Dogs of the Blind charity. This is a common feature of these trails – raising awareness and ultimately funds.
There are many more of these in 2024 – here are just a few;
The Short Tail Trail – 90 hare and tortoise sculptures around Luton town centre and parks.
The March of the Elephants – elephant sculptures around the West Midlands.
Wild in Art Trail in North London – a collection of 30 owls – all 5ft tall, and
The Southampton Art Trail features 40 lighthouses in ‘Light the South’.
As more and more of these trails pop up, the imagination and creativity that the artists come up with has become more and more exciting. Each sculpture, although exactly the same in shape and faric becomes a unique piece of art.
On a sunny day it is a fun thing to do – incorporating a walk, exploring an area, whether new or familiar – with an injection of art!
The 2nd category of art trail is completely different! It often involves quite a bit of map reading (I speak from experience!) and will probably involve some driving. These art trails are sometimes called ‘Open Studios’ and are usually organised by art societies or groups of artists. It is a fabulous opportunity to visit local artists in their studios or in interesting locations. Most will publish a guide with maps and information – see above for the Emsworth one. This guide is invaluable – don’t set off without it!
One of the joys of these trails is that you will usually find artists at every stage of their careers, from long established professionals to newcomers. The mix of art work is generally very broad -paintings, prints, photography to sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles and jewellery.
It is wonderful to be able to chat to the artists, discover the inspiration behind their work and learn about their techniques. The favourite of my day in Emsworth was the sculptor Lou Johns, showing her work in a small walled garden – a real treat!
Here are just a few that are happening this summer;
South Hams Arts Forum Arts Trail 12th – 27th October
Henley Arts Trail 4th – 6th May
Salisbury Plain Art Trail 25th May – 9th June
Hampshire Open Studios 17th – 26th August
Marlborough Open Studios weekends in July
Make sure you get / or download a brochure before you go so that you can plan your route. You are very unlikely to be able to see everything! Lunch and tea stops need to scheduled in, of course!