Local artist Michele Fazakerley with one of her portraits specially painted for her Laundry & Latte venue.
Submitted by Villene Hyam and Brentwood Borough Council
With a record number of venues participating this year, the Brentwood Art Trail offers the community plenty of culture to immerse themselves in this summer.
Beginning June 4th, artists and businesses across the district will be showcasing the talent of local artists and will continue to do so through June 25th.
Art fans, budding artists, friends, families and visitors can join in the fun and explore 45 different venues around the city including Brentwood Beigels, Liquorice, The Electric Bike Shop, Sainsy’s Pie & Mash, Woodland Coffee Shop, Wylie Wellness Centre, Beresfords and Tee’s Law.
Jackie Wells, owner of Brentwood Beigels, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the Brentwood Art Trail for the first time this year. An event like this that brings the community together and supports local businesses is exactly the kind of initiative we love to get involved in. It’s great to be able to support local artists as well. Our artist happens to be one of our dear customers, so it’s a match made in heaven for us.”
The trail, which spans Shenfield, Ingatestone and Brentwood, Essex, also includes De Luca Beauty, Laundry & Latte and The Peasants’ Revolt Micropub for the first time this year.
While there’s plenty of local talent to enjoy, the arts-based initiative also hopes to increase traffic to the borough’s shopping districts to support and uplift the Brentwood community.
Anyone interested in participating can participate in artist workshops, painting parties and pom-pom workshops, as well as have the opportunity to create family portraits and recreations of iconic album covers.
Local artist Lucia Hardy, exhibiting in Piccola, Brentwood, is just one of the artists hosting Walk, Talk and Create sessions.
Lucia says, “This is my second time exhibiting at the Brentwood Art Trail and it’s an event I enjoy being a part of. Having the opportunity to exhibit my art, talk to local people about it and host a creative event in my community is awesome really exciting.
“On previous Brentwood Art Trails, I’ve enjoyed admiring the artworks on display and, like many others, discovered fantastic new places to eat, drink and shop.”
There is also a ‘Catch a Corgi’ competition where participants have the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend at a location of their choice along the Brentwood Art Trail.
Councilor Will Russell, Chair of Brentwood Borough Council’s Community, Environment and Enforcement Committee, said: “We welcome everyone to this great annual event celebrating talented local artists, groups and emerging new local talent.
“This year we have a record number of venues which is fantastic and lots of interaction and fun for families and visitors alike. People can engage with and explore the diversity of art in the various workshops – which appeal to a variety of different tastes and tastes are guided by the artists themselves.”
The trail is sponsored by the Brentwood Business Partnership, Tees Law, the Beresfords Group and Blue Serif.
Anyone can join the Discover Brentwood Art discussion on social media by using the hashtag #BwdArtTrail2022 and following @BwdArtTrail.
People can also get involved with Blue Serif’s Brentwood Bunting Project by taking a selfie outside of the venues, using social media filters designed by creative locals.
Participants can scan the QR code and tag @bwdarttrail and @blueserif when posting.
All sessions must be booked in advance. To find out more about the Brentwood Art Trail or to book, visit: www.discoverbrentwood.co.uk
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