EMSWORTH ARTS TRAIL RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!

Posted: 9th August 2021

Emsworth Arts Trail is back for 2021 with a new date in the Calendar! There is extra reason to celebrate the return of the trail this year- it’s 20 years since the first Emsworth Arts Trail. With 95 artists taking part in venues across the town, it promises to be a real celebration of Emsworth’s vibrant and diverse art scene.

The Emsworth Arts Trail began in 2001, with just ten artists exhibiting in their home studios. Marian Forster, the founder of the trail, is looking forward to participating again this year: “I am delighted to have seen the trail grow and flourish over the last 20 years. It has been a privilege to see the exciting range of artists that have joined us; this year promises to be just as colourful as ever.”

After the cancellation of last year’s trail due to Covid, the decision was taken to change the dates to September for 2021. Artists and venues are planning to ensure that the event takes place in a Covid-secure manner.

“Last year was a tough year for the arts, and we are so pleased to be returning this year, breathing life back into Emsworth’s fantastic arts scene,” said Carol Price, the event’s chairperson

“We like to think of ourselves as a community of artists, with new exhibitors always welcome. There are 15 new artists joining us this year”, added Carol. “There is always something to surprise and fascinate; the Emsworth Arts Trail has certainly put the town on the map as a destination for art.”

Over the last 20 years visitor numbers have grown and grown, with art lovers arriving from far and wide. The 2019 event saw 99,000 individual visits recorded over the two weekends.

The Trail includes many local businesses and community venues; artists and makers exhibit their work in shops, halls, pubs, sailing clubs, home studios and pop up galleries. The result is a creative and colourful journey around Emsworth; a vibrant, community-wide event!

As well as the art venues, visitors can explore the picturesque harbour, the shops and of course enjoy refreshments in one of Emsworth’s many coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.

With the majority of venues located within a mile of the town centre, visitors often make a family day out of it by walking, cycling or scooting along the trail. The printed trail guide will be available in shops around Emsworth from August, and includes a map so you can plan your visit. There is a wide variety of work on show – painting, printmaking, photography, textile art, wood, ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, sculpture and new for this year, a blacksmith! There is something to interest everyone.

You can find out more about some of the artists every Thursday at 12.15pm on Instagram, where there will be live interviews taking place.

The Emsworth Arts Trail takes place on 11-12 and 18-19 September 2021.

To preview all the artists taking part, and plan your visit, see emsworthartstrail.org.uk