Wivenhoe Art Trail to celebrate artists this weekend

The Wivenhoe Art Trail, a non-profit making event, is designed to support and promote artists and makers who reside in Wivenhoe as they throw open their homes and studios to the public.

More than 40 artists will welcome visitors to the trail’s 19 venues, forming a path of art and colour through Wivenhoe’s town centre and along the riverfront.

The “rich and diverse” trail features work ranging from ceramics, sculptures, paintings, textiles and jewellery for people to enjoy or purchase.

Alison Stockmarr, 61, is one of the trail’s six organisers of about nine years.

Collage - Alison's work features a lot of repurposing and recycling for collages (Image: Newsquest) Alison said: “It’s grown out of all proportion—we’re running ragged trying to keep up.

“Each year we’ve broadened our reach, and this year we’ve circulated 9,000 leaflets, which is our greatest yet, and people are still asking for them.

“There’s been a real buzz in town with all the makers and artists dashing back and forth finishing their work, everyone asking each other if they have everything done yet.

“It’s always nice, and everyone always has new work to show.”

The trail has several artists who have been in Royal Academy exhibitions, including Alison herself.

Each event sees hundreds of visitors come to Wivenhoe, with some travelling from as far as London, Kent, and Norwich.

Studio - Many artists, like Anthony Jones, paint during the trail at home while visitors look at their work (Image: Newsquest) Alison continued: “I love it because it’s very Wivenhoe, which has always had that creative energy.

“There are often established artists and emerging new talent, and when you come to the trail you do get fresh new work that has just been made.

“It’s better than going to a gallery—the trail is an opportunity to see the art in action and see where it’s made.

“You get much more of an idea of the process and how things work.

“It’s inclusive, it’s encouraging. It’s a real gift to the community.”

Wivenhoe is easily accessible via train, has multiple car parks, and is within cycling distance of Colchester.

This November trail runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 17, between 10am and 5pm.

For more, visit www.wivenhoearttrail.com