Whether you’re local or an art lover from afar, save the date, mark the calendar and book time off, for the next Wivenhoe Art Trail is taking place 17 - 19 May. Spring is just about to bloom but before we flag up the eagerly awaited Spring Event, we’d like to thank all who visited our pre-Christmas Art Trail for your support and patronage. November’s Art Trail had excellent weather with the usual buzz of anticipation enjoyed by all for what was another busy event. It was heralded by three timely articles in prestigious magazines, which undoubtedly played a part in the incredible footfall! Essex Life Magazine ran an in-depth piece called ‘A woman of many layers’, outlining the work of collage artist Jane Watson. It featured her working practice, role and inclusion as a Wivenhoe Art Trail organiser, and the inspiration she takes from the area surrounding Wivenhoe. Additionally, it printed a full page article flagging up the Art Trail, highlighting our previous successes and long held reputation as a creative town, giving a flavour of what to expect. We even had a mention on the front cover! As if that wasn’t enough, an article in Country Living magazine featured Isabelle Taylor-Jones, of Dante’s Ceramics, carrying a full lifestyle piece on her studio and home in preparation for Christmas. The Art Trail was mentioned as Isabelle is a valued Art Trail organiser. If you get the opportunity to view the rather magnificent photoshoot, you will identify many Wivenhoe artists’ work, past and present, adorning her walls. We feel that these articles really did put Wivenhoe on the national map and had the usual favourable impact on the town’s businesses and hostelries. The Community Rail team ESCRP assisted us in brokering an incentive for visitors from afar to attend the Art Trail by rail, with a pack of postcards of local artists’ work on presentation of a valid rail ticket. This will be an ongoing project designed to alleviate pressure on local traffic, offering a more eco-conscious way of attending. Each Wivenhoe Art Trail boasts familiar favourites and a regular turnover of new emerging talent, and, as usual, the breadth of mediums is extensive. From ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, photographs and collage, each year we develop and grow in both variety and reach. Our ‘home grown artists’ are always happy to chat about their work and the Art Trail is an excellent opportunity for budding creatives to see art in action and watch artists inspire their audiences. We are always astonished and delighted by the resourcefulness of our artists securing venues and working together to find ways of showing their work. Having an Art Trail with venues within walking distance of each other is a rarity and incredibly convenient, with the added benefit of taking in Wivenhoe’s beautiful surroundings. As in previous years, we are keen to encourage the next generation of artists and makers, by including both Broomgrove and Millfields primary schools in the Art Trail, and we look forward to including them on the promotional leaflet once a venue is confirmed. To keep up with all Wivenhoe Art Trail news follow us on Facebook the_wivenhoe_art_trail and Instagram @the_wivenhoe_art_trail or sign up to our mailing list via wivenhoearttrail.com, where all makers’ contact details, Art Trail dates and opening times can be viewed throughout the year. Not visited, or been unable to visit the Art Trail yet? Simply visit our website and view the video of last year’s Art Trail, it really is a great opportunity to see Wivenhoe at its creative best… please feel free to share it. The Wivenhoe Art Trail team and artists appreciate and look forward to your continued support and can guarantee a warm, creative, welcome at each studio. We look forward to seeing you.