Urban Coast - Leigh Art Trail Artists

November 9, 2015 by Joanna Harrison

Urban Coast - Leigh Art Trail Artists
Winter Exhibition

On the Trail, in Southend this Winter!

This winter, the Leigh Art Trail has collaborated with the Beecroft Gallery, and Southend Museums, to bring you a dynamic showcase of art work paying homage to the Thames Estuary.

The artists all live and create their work within a few miles of the gallery, highlighting the innovative and energetic artistic talent to be found here. Much of the inspiration comes from the artists' and makers' close relationship between Leigh's fishing history and the urban landscape within which it now finds itself; the gallery being an ideal 1960’s regenerated industrial setting.

Kevin Marsh, Beecroft Curator is highly supportive of showcasing local talent: ‘The Beecroft is delighted to exhibit the Leigh Art Trail Artist Exhibition. The work displayed demonstrates the diversity of work shown during this wonderful annual fixture and gives the exhibitors a gallery environment in which to showcase their talent.’

Founded in 1997 by a community of artists in Leigh, the annual trail is a not-for-profit, volunteer run event. All artists involved are working in a professional capacity to raise the profile of the arts locally, and the trail is proud of the creative community that continues to thrive locally.

The exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy until January, with all work for sale. Budding collectors can purchase a piece of local creativity at an affordable price, ranging from jewelry to ceramics, painting and photography – perfect for Christmas. The gallery is open Tues-Sat.

Bronwyn Oldham, a Leigh Art Trail Director, and Photographer, is proud what the trail has achieved: “The Thames estuary has always been a hub of industry, growth and creativity, and it is no different today. The Leigh Art Trail is delighted to be invited to preview the 2016 trail collection in Southend we hope this will bring Leigh and Southend’s artistic community closer, and encourage new visitors to the trail next summer.”

There will be another opportunity to purchase work from the trail artists at their annual auction, being held on Thursday 26th November, 7pm at the Leigh Road Baptist Church.

If you are a local artist or designer living or working within Leigh, and would like to apply to show in the 2016 trail, visit the website for further details.