The first ever Wilmslow Art Trail kicked off this evening with a launch party at the United Reformed Church organised by Wilmslow Business Group.
Guests gathered at the church for a drinks reception and the opportunity to learn more about the Art Trail, meet participating artists and view the stunning GCSE and AS Level work on display from about 50 Wilmslow High School students.
Wilmslow Art Trail represents the coming together of 29 artists from the local area, demonstrating a range of disciplines, from painting, sculpture and textile art to furniture and ceramics. The trail also includes the work of Wilmslow High School art students in a show curated by themselves.
The Trail was the idea of local designer and furniture maker Garry Olson. He said "I thought it was a good idea because it supports all the great things that are happening in the community like the Artisan Market, Motor Show and the work of Transition Wilmslow and Incredible Edible - which make Wilmslow a better place to live.
"There is a feeling in the town that there is more community spirit than there has been in the past and this is an opportunity for people in the town to get around and see what art is available."
Speaking about the student's display, Claire Bennett, Team Leader for Art, commented "This raises the profile of the amazing work that they do at Wilmslow High School. It's about trying to almost abolish the preconception of 'school work' and to show this is of a much higher standard.
"It's about appreciating these creative individual as young practising artists. They work really hard and we're really pleased Garry invited us to this event to showcase the student's talents."
17 venues across the town including restaurants, churches, pubs, cafes and shops are all offering their premises as temporary galleries so that you can take advantage of all that Wilmslow has to offer whilst enjoying the art on display.
Each of the venues is in the centre of Wilmslow so you can follow the Art Trail map on foot or by burke to take in as many as you like.
The Wilmslow Art Trail will run on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September. Look out for orange and black balloons, indicating where the artists will be exhibiting their work.
COOK on Water Lane have organised a fun, free art trail quiz for all the family, with some great prizes, and maps for the Wilmslow Art Trail can be picked up from participating venues around the town.
Photo: Georgie Johnson (Wilmslow Business Group), furniture maker Garry Olson and artist Eliza Brown. Ellie Prime with a piece of her GCSE work.
