CAROL PRICE: Lots of exciting new artists and makers

An explosion of colour awaits visitors to Emsworth this spring.

On April 28 and 29 and May 5, 6, 7 Emsworth Arts Trail will showcase the exciting and varied work of more than 100 talented local artists within the town.

From home studios to community halls, businesses, sailing clubs and churches, artists will open their doors to art lovers on its popular annual arts trail.

Nearly all venues are located within a mile of Emsworth’s town centre.

By walking or cycling, visitors can look forward to meeting artists and have a chance to purchase their work.

There will be a full spectrum of mediums and styles including painting, printmaking, photography, furniture making, weaving, woodturning, ceramics, jewellery and textile art on display.

We have lots of exciting new artists and makers this year, offering something new to visitors, alongside many established names that have been part of the trail since its launch in 2001.

Emsworth Arts Trail works alongside local businesses to help stimulate economic activity in the town.

Nearly 50 companies have paired up with one or more artists to exhibit their work for the Adopt an Artist scheme.

We are delighted that so many shops, restaurants, churches, pubs and cafes across the town have offered their premises as temporary galleries so that visitors will be able to take advantage of all that Emsworth has to offer while enjoying the art on display.

Nearly all of the venues are based near the centre of Emsworth so visitors will be able to follow the arts trail map on foot or by bike to take in as many as they like.

We recommend parking outside the village or on the outskirts of the trail and walking in, as parking in the town is often very busy over the two weekends.

All public transport information can be found online and in the Trail Guide.

Look out for The Boat Project. The Arts Council England initiative that formed part of the London 2012 Olympic Festival will be on display at Hollybank House during the first weekend of the trail.

Collective Spirit is made of thousands of donated wooden items and was built in Emsworth during 2011-12.

It documents the lives of people from south east of England, with many items coming from local residents.

For more information go to theboatproject.com.

Hollybank House will also host a collection of artists on the first weekend and promises to offer visitors a special experience this year.