A summer of exhibitions and celebration of art has begun in Malmesbury as the town’s streets are turned into an art gallery showcasing the talents of around 50 local artists.
The High Street + Art Gallery is just one community exhibition to celebrate art by local artists and young artists throughout August and September.
The Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Stephen James will open the community exhibition on Saturday August 23 which features the work of artists on display in many independent shops on the High Street itself and in surrounding streets.
“It’s wonderful to see local art and artists celebrated every summer in Malmesbury. This adds so much colour and depth to our community and attracts visitors from outside to tour the town and its attractions,” Cllr James said.
The Malmesbury High Street + Art Gallery event is organised by Malmesbury Town Council, led by Cllr Kim Power and is a fun and interesting way of promoting the town, by bringing together shops and local artists. The trail launches on Saturday August 23 and runs until Sunday September 21.
Cllr Power said: “Malmesbury is definitely the place to visit this summer. There is something for everyone, you can follow the free trail and just enjoy looking at the artwork, however it’s also available to buy.
“This year we’ve been blown away by the amount of talent of those exhibiting their artwork, from well known and established artists to those who are just starting out. We are also really delighted with the phenomenal response from a around 50 artists and corresponding number of shops and businesses wanting to take part this year and there is a real buzz in town about the exhibition.”
Visitors can choose to browse the shops at their leisure to look at the art or follow the art trail map, starting at the Town Hall and finishing at the Market Cross, taking in all participating locations.
Anyone wishing to buy an artwork will be asked to pay at the Town Hall and then the art will be released to them. For each piece of art sold, the relevant shop receives a 20% commission and the artist receives the remaining 80%.
Other arts events will follow in September too. Local business Caerbladon has invited local young people to submit artwork for a professional exhibition at the John Bowen Gallery from Friday September 12 to Thursday September 25.
The opportunity is free and open to students and school-leavers aged 13 years and older. Artwork in any medium is welcomed, including painting, drawing, illustration, photography, video, printmaking, collage and mixed media.
Young artists who want to submit work should contact Caerbladon at hello@caerbladon.co.uk by the end of August.
On Saturday and Sunday September 27 and 28, the annual Flying Monk Art Trail also takes place involving 34 artists across 17 venues from Sherston to Little Somerford. This weekend event celebrates the quality of artists and makers living and working in the Malmesbury area and is an opportunity to meet the artists in their studios, homes and pop-up spaces.
There are nine new artists for this event including painter Annie Kevans and sculptor Andrew Metcalf. Artists Joanna Billingham, Vivienne Edwards and Daniella Chichester Kaner are taking part in a group show at the John Bowen Gallery.
There are several new venues and artists in Little Somerford, including textile artist Janice Botterill and potter Emily Clarke, as well as Little Somerford Art Group in the village hall.
Article from Scott Media
