Leigh Art Trail 2010

Preparations are well underway for this year’s Leigh Art Trail.

The nine-day event (12-20 June) showcases the work of 46 contemporary local and national artists across over 20 Leigh-on-Sea venues not normally associated with art exhibitions.

Paintings, jewellery, photography, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, mosaics and pottery by renowned makers and artists can be both viewed and purchased in a variety of ‘pop-up’ retail outlets, such as shops and bars.

The Leigh Art Trail was the first event of its kind in the UK, and its model has been copied across the country ever since. It is run entirely by artists and supporters of the arts, who give their time and expertise for free, with the aim of creating events that stimulate local engagement with the visual arts. Photographer David Shields told longpier.com

“We not only share a passion for our work, but also for where we live. As well as inviting people to see our art, we also encourage them to explore Leigh-on-Sea, its historic landmarks and many independent shops and studios. This town, with its estuary views and vibrant creative community, has inspired artists for many generations – and we hope that events like the Art Trail will ensure this continues.”

This is echoed by comedian, musician, Leigh resident and Longpier.com columnist Phill Jupitus.

“Leigh has blossomed into a vibrant, busy and prosperous town with a thriving creative population. Presumably drawn by the laid back atmosphere, sprawling seascapes and stunning Canvey sunsets (seriously!), Leigh has a buzzing artistic community. At the annual Leigh Art Trail you can take a walk around this amazing town at your own pace to view and even buy some original artworks. And relax, you don’t have to have jellied eels, but they are quite delicious…”

Alongside the exhibitions, there is also a wide range of interactive, free Leigh Art Trail events –including free children’s art workshops (5 June, Leigh Road Baptist Church), ‘The Leigh Plinth’ (an outdoor, drop in life drawing class – 12 June, Southend Adult Community College), the Public Mosaic Project (13 June, Switch, 57 Broadway), Gaudeamus Chamber Choir (a musical tour of Renaissance Italy – 17 June, Wesley Methodist Church), plus many more.

A Leigh Art Trail teaser exhibition will be taking place at Storm Media, 1727-1729, London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea from 4- 18 June, featuring work from all the Leigh Art Trail exhibiting artists.

The Leigh Art Trail is generously supported by Southend Council, Southend Adult Community College, Essex Summer of Art, C2C, Stacey’s Auctioneers & Valuers, Leigh-on-Sea Town Council, Storm Media, Icicle Graphic Design and Phuse Media.

Visit www.leigharttrail.co.uk to find out more and download a free Leigh Art Trail Map.

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