Leigh Art Trail 2016

April 17, 2016 by Joanna Harrison

On the Trail of Art in Leigh

Saturday 4th June – Saturday 11th June 2016, venue opening times vary.

Now in its 19th year, the annual Leigh Art Trail this year plays host to over 40 professional artists, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, painters and photographers, all working locally and showcasing an exciting and diverse range of contemporary art. This year we are pleased to announce 8 guest artists who have also been invited to exhibit their beautiful work in Leigh on Sea as part of the event. Set over 30 different venues, many of whom are independent businesses, the trail really does celebrate the dedicated artistic community who generate the dynamic creative buzz that best describes Leigh on Sea. For one week annually, artists and businesses work together to provide an inspiring day out for the whole family as well as showcase art that you can buy for a lasting memoir of Leigh on Sea.

Originally set up by a community of high-spirited artists wanting to provide an outlet for their work locally, the Leigh Art Trail was the first of its kind in the East of England. Because of the large number and high quality of professional artists in the town, many people now refer to Leigh on Sea as the St. Ives of the East. The event is much loved by both residents and tourists, and the Leigh Art Trail is always proud to support artistic activity that continues to thrive locally.

For photographers Mark Taylor and Paula Puncher, Leigh on Sea forms the catalyst and inspiration of their documentary photography careers. Mark is drawn to his hometown for its urban and eccentric take on life by the water: “My work aims to capture the essence of this quirky estuary hinterland. Mostly I take candid shots featuring the characters who populate Old Leigh, an atmospheric area of cobbled alleys, cockle sheds and wharves strewn with ropes and nets. This is the backdrop for daily dramas comprising bait diggers and day trippers, boat owners and cafe crawlers. I try to trap in frames decisive moments in the worlds of this unwitting cast to compose images which tell stories, or at least parts of stories.”

Come to this delightful fishing town to see the art, visit the many art studios, galleries, cafes and shops whilst appreciating the beauty of Old Leigh with its cobbled streets and sandy beach. During the trail, artist Paul Alcock often paints Leigh Road street scenes outside his venue, Milly’s Deli, so you can enjoy tea, cake and live art! This eclectic mix of contemporary art, set against the background of the charming, beautiful village of Old Leigh makes for an inspiring day out for the whole family.

The Leigh Art Trail is part of the county-wide project ‘Essex Summer of Art’, promoting a whole host of art exhibitions and events throughout Essex this summer.

For more information including venues and opening times please visit the website www.leighartrail.com, collect a brochure from venues locally, or contact Bronwyn Oldham at bronwynoldham@hotmail.co.uk.