North Devon Artists & Makers Celebrate 8th Annual Art Trail

From 11th-12th May, over 70 artists and makers in Ilfracombe will be opening their homes, studios and galleries to the general public for the 8th annual Ilfracombe Art Trail. In the biggest event to date, visitors will be able to see how and where the creatives work, talk to them about their creative processes and also view and purchase a varied collection of their arts and crafts.

From paintings, sculpture, photography, and jewellery, to printing, textiles, leather, and ceramics, visitors will be able to see a diverse and interesting array of affordable art from local artists in over 44 different venues and galleries all around Ilfracombe, including a few in Hele and Berrynarbor, a short drive away.

Using an easy-to-follow map, visitors can navigate between the various venues such as The Pier Gallery, Ilfracombe Junior School and Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium in addition to people’s homes and studios all within a short distance of the high street. There are even a few gardens on the map such as Cow Green Community Garden.

The Art Trail has been a highlight of the North Devon art scene for many years, with a short hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due the Pandemic. It was the brainchild of Susan Hutchins, who had attended similar events in Bristol. With help from Jo Anson, the first ever Trail took place in May 2015 and was a huge success.

It is now organised by Stephanie Charles with help from Fee Bates & Alison Rowe. Since it’s inception it has grown from 20 artists and open gardens to over 70 and attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

Stephanie says: “This year's event will be one of the best yet. We have an amazing line-up of artists and craftspeople taking part and there is already a great buzz around the event. The Art Trail is a fantastic asset for the community, and I would urge anyone in the North Devon area to come along and meet some of the talented individuals that we are lucky to have living here in Ilfracombe and see the work that they are producing."

Loretta Wall is one of the artists taking part in this year’s trail. She says, “This will be my third year taking part in the Art Trail. I take part so I can get involved with fellow local artists and show my work to the general public. It’s a great bonding opportunity for the creative community and promotes collaboration. If other people didn't organise events and exhibitions like this most of my work wouldn't see the light of day. I'm very grateful to the organisers and the support of locals.”

Taking part in the Art Trail for the fourth time in 2024 is Louise Bird, a local portrait artist. Louise says: “For me, the Art Trail is an intimate way of meeting and chatting about my work with interested people, some of whom travel quite some distance to experience the wide variety and growing number of artists in Ilfracombe. In this day of selling artwork online, it is rare that I can discuss pieces with an audience face to face, this is what I most enjoy about the trail.”

Robert Andrew, also taking part for the fourth time this year, specialises in kinetic sculpture and paintings. “Exhibiting in one’s home is obviously a much more personal experience than a gallery,” says Robert. “It's a bit like an actor’s solo stage performance. That actor needs an audience, and similarly the humble artist gets something special from the feedback and the thrill of hopefully inspiring others in whatever field they are in. It also provides great motivation to create more and keep on pushing for excellence.

“Obviously I can't speak for the rest of the artistic community. But with all the chaos and craziness in the world it’s important to have something of a positive experience for everyone concerned, a way of bringing people together, through the medium of art, building the feeling of community spirit and meeting new and seasoned art appreciators.”

Alison Rowe is not only a participating artist but also serves on the committee for the Art Trail. She says: “The Art Trail has helped Ilfracombe be recognised as an artistic hub and has highlighted the fantastic talent we have in the town. It has also provided a network for the artists and helped them feel part of a community of like-minded people.”

This year for the first time, there will be a launch event for the Art Trail to be held on Friday 3rd May at The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe. The organisers of the Art Trail will be inviting local dignitaries, councillors and the wider business community to celebrate the opening of the event along with members of the general public.

Eliot Seabourn-Wren is co-owner of the hotel along with his partner Michael Rebeiro. Eliot says: “We’ve been living and working in Ilfracombe for nearly a decade, and we have seen the Art Trail go from strength to strength in that time.

“Each May, the Art Trail event has a special place in the town. Not only does it reflect the cultural diversity of the town, but it showcases the talent on our doorstep. It reinforces the artistic success which Ilfracombe has a fine reputation for.”

As a hotelier business, The Carlton wants to play a small part in supporting the Art Trail. “The volunteers and artists that make each Art Trail such a success deserve further recognition,” says Eliot. “By running this launch event, it will bring the artists together for one evening, and hopefully create an even bigger buzz. So many of us benefit from this community-driven event, and it’s great to be able to give a little back.”

For more information on The Ilfracombe Art Trail and see the route and a full list of participating artists and creatives visit: https://artilfracombe.co.uk/