Essex summer of Art

The Summer of Art demonstrates how the inspiration of the London 2012 Games can unite people in cultural activity. Local artists will exhibit their work on 16 Art Trails and Open Studios in the county's rural, coastal and urban settings, showcasing the county’s artistic talent.  Essex Summer of Art 2012 is the biggest yet with 20 Art Trails representing nearly every district and unitary across the county celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through art.

Exhibitions near you....

Essex Summer of Art Launch & Hadleigh Old Fire Station Open Studios

12 & 13 May
Hadleigh Old Fire Station, High Street, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2PA
10am – 6pm
Tele: TBC
beastop@acava.org
www.hofs.org.uk

Essex Summer of Art Launch event was hosted by Hadleigh Old Fire Station, Essex’s newest community art centre.  Visitors to this amazing converted fire station situated in the heart of Hadleigh could meet resident artists in their studios and enjoy an exhibition of their work in the Appliance Hall Gallery. A selection of workshops happened over the weekend.

Art on the Railings

1st weekend of every month from May to September
Pier Hill, Southend
10am – 4pm
Tel: 07951 762414
theartspot@hotmail.co.uk
www.artontherailings.co.uk

In its 5th year, Art on the Railings overlooks the world’s longest pier. Artists of all disciplines exhibit and sell their work on the railings of Pier Hill on the 1st weekend of every month, providing a unique opportunity to meet artists in this unusual setting. Live artist demonstrations and free art workshops for all ages will take place on the1st Saturday of the month.

Westcliff Art Trail

12 -19 May
Westcliff and area
www.westcliffarttrail.co.uk
Ballerina57@btopenworld.com

Now in its fifth year, Westcliff Art Trail showcases the work of local artists whilst supporting local businesses and continues to support the work of community groups and local schools.

With its excellent transport links, there are plenty of reasons to visit Westcliff. You can follow special Art Trail maps and take part in a workshop. This year there will be a special ‘hide & seek’ competition with prizes for children.

Braintree

12 & 13 May ‘Art in the Park’, Halstead Public Gardens
16 – 30 June Braintree District Open Art Exhibition, Braintree District Museum
Throughout June ‘Giants’ Art trail, Braintree
30 June ‘Yard Art Sale’, George Yard, Braintree

01376 550373
admin@BraintreeDistrictArts.org.uk  
www.BraintreeDistrictArts.org.uk

F7 Arts Festival has an array of free visual arts events. Kicking off with ‘Art in the Park’ in Halstead Public Gardens, followed by an Art Trail with a difference, featuring giant figures situated around Braintree. Mid June sees the start of the annual Braintree District Open Art Exhibition, concluding with the ‘Yard Art Sale’ of inexpensive works by local artists in George Yard Shopping Centre.

Gatehouse Arts Open Studio Weekend

19 & 20 May
Westgate, Harlow
11am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday
075300 4 8739
www.gatehousearts.com
gatehouse@mail.com

Gatehouse Arts is situated in the heart of Harlow Town Centre and will part of the Harlow Festival in May with an open studio weekend. This will provide an opportunity to visit the 23 studios and talk to the resident artists whose work will be available to purchase. Visitors will be able to enjoy the exhibition on show in the gallery. There will be a full programme of Exhibitions and events throughout the summer.

BRENTWOOD ART TRAIL – Sparking Creativity in the Community

18 – 30 June
at various venues in Brentwood, Essex
01277 312 500
www.brentwood.gov.uk
natalie.creary@brentwood.gov.uk

50 artists and students will be showcasing their work in 20 plus venues and spaces including shops, cafes, community centres and businesses across Brentwood. They will be producing work in a range of media, culminating in a final exhibition at the Brentwood’s Gone Global Sparks will Fly journey stop event on July 1st at the Brentwood Centre as part of the London 2012 Games celebrations.

Gosefield Jubilee & Olympic Scarecrow Trail

16 & 17 June
The Whole Village of Gosfield
10am-6pm
01787 472803
www.gosfield.org.uk
Georgie.roy.artist@btinternet.com

Gosefield Scarecrow Trail is making a welcome return! The village of Gosefield is full of creative people who make 400-700 scarecrows to display in their front gardens for visitors to enjoy. Every villager becomes an artist, the wit and creativity is a wonder to behold and is not to be missed! This year’s theme is focused around sporting heroes to mark the London 2012 Games.

The Leigh Art Trail

16 - 23 June
07903 011890
www.leigharttrail.co.uk
kmchattie@hotmail.com

The Leigh Art Trail, now in its 15th year, is the longest running Trail in Essex. Featuring over 40 artists, it showcases a range of creative talent. Leigh Art Trail takes an innovative approach, mixing artists’ studios and homes with local shops and bars as venues for this nine day long event. The event is free, providing art lovers with an opportunity to buy pieces at affordable prices.

Burnham Art Trail

23 June – 1 July
Various venues around Burnham on Crouch
www.burnhamarttrail.co.uk

Many of the artworks on show at Burnham Art Trail have been inspired by the natural beauty, strong sailing traditions and relaxed lifestyle of the area. Artworks range from fine art through to leatherwork and textiles in both contemporary and traditional styles. A number of art inspired events will also be taking place leading up to the Art Trail.

Artside

29 June – 15 July
Southend High Street and all the way down to the pier and seafront.
07970 791959

events@coexist.org.uk
www.artside.org.uk
www.facebook.com/ArtsideSouthend
www.twitter.com/ArtsideSouthend

Artside is a two week celebration of site-specific art in Southend-on-Sea which offers a chance for local businesses to engage with artists and visitors to encounter some exciting art in unexpected places.

This year promises to hold a few surprises. Check the regularly updated website and find us on Facebook and Twitter for information on our free events, performances, photos and news.

Thurrock Art Trail

2 - 15 July
Thameside Complex, Grays and around the borough of Thurrock
07843 048040
thurrockarttrail@gmail.com
http://thurrockarttrail.blogspot.com/

Thurrock is hosting its first Art Trail focusing on four of the borough’s foremost artists. Sculptor Lata Upadhyaya, photographer Antonisia Schroder, textile artist Jane Barry and fine artist Michael Murphy will be running exhibitions between 2 and 15 July whilst local schools will also take part. An Art Trail map will enable visitors to explore the borough of Thurrock and the Thameside Complex, providing opportunities to meet artists in their studios.

Parndon Mill and Roydon Open Studios

21 & 22 July
Parndon Mill, Elizabeth Way, Harlow Essex. CM20 2HP
01279 426042
www.parndonmill.co.uk
info@parndonmill.co.uk

Roydon Open Studio 57 High St, Roydon. CM19 5EA

14 &15 / 21 & 22 July
01279 792209
www.alanburgess.co.uk  

www.angelagodfrey.co.uk

Both 10 am – 5 pm

Parndon Mill provides 30 studios for artists, craftspeople, designers and architects. Most of these will be open for the weekend together with demonstrations and workshops sharing various craft skills. The Gallery at Parndon Mill will be showing work inspired by structures, both man made and of nature.
Also open in the neighbouring village of Roydon will be the studios of painter Alan Burgess and sculptor Angela Godfrey.
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Essex Craft & Design Show – Hyde Hall

28 & 29 July
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Essex CM3 8ET

Essex Craft & Design Show - Cressing

29 & 30 September
Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Rd, Braintree, CM77 8PD

Both events:- 10.00am – 5.00pm
info@essexcraftanddesignshow.com
www.essexcraftanddesignshow.com

Essex Craft & Design Show will be hosting events in the historic Cressing Temple barns and gardens of Hyde Hall. Artists and designer makers will be selling a wide range of work from fine art through to contemporary crafts. More than just a craft show, all work is designed and made by the exhibitors; this is your opportunity to buy unique pieces either for yourself or for that special gift.

Art Trail - Barleylands

3 August – 3 September
Tues – Sun 10am – 4pm, closed Mondays
Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay CM11 2UD
01268 522973
Art-trail-barleylands@hotmail.co.uk
http://www.art-trail-barleylands.com

Barleylands will be inviting a range of new artists to showcase their work at this unique venue. Visitors will be able to visit the Farm Park, meander around the Craft Village buying work directly from the designers, and buy fresh produce from the Farmers Market. It is a perfect place to come and discover great artistic talent and a whole world of creativity.

Jaywick Martello Tower Coastal Open

September –October
Jaywick Martello Tower,The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, CO15 2LF
September, Wed-Fri, 10am-5pm
October, Weekends, 10.30-3.30pm
01255 822783
http://www.jaywickmartellotower.org/The-Jaywick-Martello-Tower-Coastal-Open/
info@jaywickmartellotower.org
The mixture of unique architecture and stunning coastline has inspired artists creating an active arts scene. This is the third year of the Coastal Open giving local artists another chance to display their talents in art and crafts in the unique location of a Martello Tower.

Jaywick Martello Tower opened in 2005 as an arts venue and has since hosted many successful local and international art exhibitions and workshops.

Colchester and Tendring Open Studios 2012-01-31

Every weekend during September from 8 & 9 September
Various in the CO postcode area
Opening times vary please check website
http://www.colchesteropenstudios.org

This established annual event encompasses the historic town of Colchester and the surrounding areas from Halstead to Harwich.

Studio groups, individual artists and craftspeople open their studio doors to visitors. This is your chance to talk to artists about their work in their own surroundings, providing opportunities to purchase original artworks or perhaps commission that specific piece you have been looking for.

Works like a Charm

The Limes Centre, Limes Avenue, Chigwell IG7 5LT
16 September
10am – 4pm
01992 564551
www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk
fhall@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Inspired by artists, trinkets and treasures the residents of Limes Farm have been transforming the new Limes Centre into a work of creative brilliance. Discover the glass cases entombed in the walls. Watch the eyes follow your every move from windows as you pass. Walk on the pathways imprinted with good wishes and explore the good luck stories emanating through the core of the building.

Hadleigh Art Trail

6 - 13 October
01702 318171
www.castlepoint.gov/uk/arttrail

Following a successful first year the Hadleigh Art Trail returns as all eyes will be on this part of Essex as it hosts the 2012 Olympic Games Mountain Bike event.

Local artists will exhibit their work in shops, businesses and public spaces around Hadleigh Town Centre including the Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS).
Visit HOFS for an Open Studios event and exhibition during this year’s Trail.

Maldon Art Week

29 September - 6 October
Various venues High Street, Maldon
Tel TBC
Website TBC

Maldon is a historic maritime town and a popular tourist destination. Maldon Art Trail has been running for four years and has a firm following of diverse artists, including painters, textile artists, glass blowers and sculptors. The trail includes an ever expanding sculpture park and there will a range of children’s’ activities and art competitions in the 15th Century Moot Hall.

Rochford Art Trail

27 October- 3 November
01702 318171
www.rochford.gov.uk/arttrail
roxie.curry@rochford.gov.uk

The popular Rochford Art Trail follows a route around the charming town of Rochford with work from artists, social art groups, and craftspeople on show.

A launch day event on 27 October will feature an arts and crafts market in the WI Hall and arts activities around the Town Square. Big Draw workshops are on all week and there will be a Mini Art Trail for children (and grown ups).

Essex Summer of Art Celebrates The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Over the past year Art Trails across the county have really embraced the spirit of London 2012 Games creating projects that have captured the public’s attention.

The Essex Art Relay, a 20 metre long art baton was created by artists. The baton passed by various unusual means of transport including by a RNLI boat, through to a mounted knight in shining armour. At ‘The Great Reveal’ at Rochford Art Trail a stunning continuous artwork was revealed which has since been separated into a touring exhibition.

In March 2011 two 40m Schools Art Relay batons started their travels across the county visiting 20 schools. Each were tasked with creating artworks based on the Olympic and Paralympic Values. The batons will be unveiled on 10th July at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre and 13 July at Firstsite, Colchester.

In 2012 most of the participating Art Trails have invited local schools to exhibit as part of their events. Students have been asked to create artworks based around the Olympic and Paralympic Values. Look out for these pieces across Essex this summer.

There will also be an Essex Summer of Art marquee featuring artworks from every Art Trail across the County at the Sparks will Fly Finale 6th July, Hylands Park, Chelmsford. This event will be an exciting culmination of a 2 month Essex celebration marking the start of London 2012.

Visit Essex

Visit Essex is membership organisation made up of Essex’s many and varied attractions, restaurants, hotels and B&B’s. Their key aim is to raise awareness of Essex as a great destination, nationally and internationally. Through their support they have helped make Essex Summer of Art one of the key annual cultural events.

Why not discover this exciting and diverse region. Essex is the perfect place for some great days out and weekend breaks that'll leave a lasting impression. Essex not only boasts miles of stunning coastline and beautiful coastal towns, but is also crammed full of historic gems, hidden in tiny villages throughout the county.

Go to www.visitessex.com  for ideas for a great day out in Essex.