On the Trail of success…

Take a journey through Chelmsford’s
streets and join the celebration of the Arts!
Saturday 11 September – Sunday 26 September 2010
 

The Chelmsford Arts Trail has hit the town’s streets again this September where over 60 of the hottest local artists have joined together with local businesses, organisations and Chelmsford Borough Council to transform town centre locations into mini galleries. This annual event caused a real stir in 2009 with over 6,000 visitors flocking to take a look at the artistic delights Chelmsford has to offer so make sure you take some time to visit the town, stroll around the exhibitions and immerse yourself in local culture.

With aims to encourage people to explore the world of contemporary art, support local artists, showcase the high quality work produced in Chelmsford past and present, as well as provide support for local businesses, the Trail enables everyone to get involved in art activities inspired by the town. Artists of all ages have created an energetic celebration of the town’s cultural scene, with exhibits from local schools, colleges, universities, independent artists, artist groups and successful creative business owners.

Chelmsford also proudly promotes controversial Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry as a native resident of Chelmsford in his youth. A pot designed specifically for an exhibition he held at Hylands House is amongst exciting special features awaiting you as part of the event.

The Artists this year have raised the bar with their high quality pieces and innovative ideas. Visitors will stumble across further exciting features such as contemporary design pieces, abstract work, public art, vinyl floor art, an art swap shop, an international sound and light artist, quirky performance art, an open-air cinema, new artist led studios and inventive photography projects, to name but a few, on their creative journey. Be prepared to feel inspired!

This year will also see the return of the popular Anonymous Postcard Art Sale hosted by interior angle, the west end art gallery in Wells Street.

For just £15, art lovers can own an affordable mini original bought in secret and only when purchased will the true identity of the artist will be revealed. The Gallery is also hosting a collective exhibition of selected artists involved in the Trail in support of the event.

For those of you feeling a little artistic reading this, there is a wealth of opportunities to join in with activities for all ages ranging from ceramic portraits to an artist book signing event and activities for the youngest of creative hands!

Make sure you visit Holly English’s art swap shop ‘The Shiny Shed’: the perfect place to drop in and leave your artistic mark on Chelmsford. Visit www.theshinyshedblogspot.com for information on all events and activities.

Mid-way through the Arts Trail in Central Park, new cultural event ‘Be Moved’ presents a free open air cinema featuring ‘70s musical classic “Grease” on the 17th and ‘50s science fiction epic “The War of the Worlds” on the 18th - both at 7.45pm. Also on Saturday 18th from 11am, there’s the Family Arts Café with creative activities for children, displays of artwork from the Arts Trail, the handover of a giant Olympic-inspired ‘art scroll’ and a Show & Share session hosted by local visual art group Activate from 2pm.

The Chelmsford Arts Trail forms part of a larger ‘picture’: an Essex Summer of Art where 15 county-wide art events and activities have been united this summer to showcase the diversity and talent of creative makers who are living and working in the county. Until October, you can continue your cultural expeditions throughout Essex.

Visit www.visitessex.com for more information.
You can download a brochure and receive exciting updates from www.chelmsford.gov.uk/artstrail or alternatively you can collect a brochure from interior angle, the west end gallery in Wells Street and venues throughout the town now!