Kirkstall Art Trail set to draw local talent

Artist David Starling pictured with one of his paintings at Kirkstall Abbey during the 2015 Kirkstall Art Trail.

Organisers say the 2015 Kirkstall Art Trail was such a success that they have decided to make this year’s festival a two-day as opposed to a one-day event.

Kirkstall Abbey and its museum and visitor centre were among sites which took part in last year’s event, which included painting, sketching, printing, photography, sculpture and textiles, craft and more.

A Committee of 12 dedicated local residents are organising the 2016 Kirkstall Art Trail, which will be held over the weekend of July 16 and 17.

The committee wants artists from Kirkstall, West Leeds and the surrounding areas to submit applications to exhibit their work at the Kirkstall Art Trail.

Committee chairwoman Amy Thompson said: “We hope to inspire greater local engagement with the arts whilst celebrating the abundance of talent that surrounds us. We also hope to make art more accessible by keeping the event free and suitable for all.

“Last year was our first running the event and we were astounded by the reception. Over the course of the day we received in excess of 500 visitors and by increasing what is on offer we hope to double this in 2016. Last year we had approximately 50 artists take part over 22 venues. This year will be bigger and better with more art, more artists, more workshops and opportunities to explore.”

Other venues which took part last year included the Kirkstall Bridge Inn, Hollybush Conservation Centre, St Stephens Church and church hall and Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club on Queenswood Drive. A number of residents also hosted events in their homes and gardens.

For more information, go to www.kirkstallarttrail.wordpress.com