Creatives living in Larkhall or Newbridge can step out of their homes and enjoy art in their neighbourhood, thanks to local art trails taking place over the next two weekends.
First up this weekend is the Larkhall Open Studios & Art Trail (part of the Larkhall Festival, 30 April - 3 May), which includes 12 venues dotted around the narrow streets of Larkhall. Each space contains work by local artists spanning different media, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, sculptures, plus exhibits by the Bath Artist Printmakers.
The Otago Gallery (opposite the Rose and Crown pub in Larkhall) could be a good starting point... it is a new temporary exhibition space for this year's event, and will contain work by seven artists.
The Larkhall Open Studios: Saturday 1 May & Sunday 2 May. To check opening times of each venue and download a trail map, visit www.larkhallopenstudios.weebly.com
The following weekend, the inaugural Newbridge Arts Trail involves 20 local artists opening their homes or studios to the public. They include painters, printmakers, sculptors, jewellery designers, ceramicists, textile artists and graphic designers, all living and working in Newbridge or Lower Weston.
On the Saturday, for one day only, you can 'join' the Chelsea (Rd) Arts Club by taking part in the Drop in and Draw event at Picnics Café, Chelsea Road. All ages and abilities are welcome – and materials will be provided. Open from 10.00am until 4.00pm, with a special deal on coffee and cake for all participants. Go to Picnics Café before going on the trail (to pick up a map and get into a creative mood) or go there after visiting the artists, full of inspiration to make your own art.
Newbridge Arts Trail: Saturday 8th May, Sunday 9th May. Studios open 10am - 4pm.
The Trail map is available from Bath Central Library, Frontier Picture Frames in Locksbrook Road, the Chelsea Café, Picnics Delicatessen and the Bath Bakery in Chelsea Road. It can also be downloaded from www.newbridgeartstrail.co.uk
