Bear Flat Artists to open their studios to the public this May

Bear Flat Artists open their studios over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May, 11am to 5pm. This year sees the 20^th anniversary of this popular Arts Trail. More than 200 artists have taken part, with hundreds of visitors attending from both near and far over the years. To mark the occasion, artists from the early days are invited to exhibit, and work by young up and coming artists will go on show across the trail. Celebrations also include a Launch Party at The Bear Inn on Thursday 18 May, open to all.

Arts Trail Co-ordinator Kate Marshall says:

“Our art trail is now a firm fixture on the calendar – each year we are astounded by the level of local creativity and interest in our work. The Bear Flat Artists are now a real community. We love talking directly to visitors, and people always enjoy buying direct from the artist. It’s just really good fun to wander, discovering all sorts of beautiful and unique pieces of affordable art”.

Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of printmaking, painting, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, photography, wood turning, glass, illustration, upholstery, cards, and more. Several new exhibitors are welcomed this year, and there are craft workshops for children. Studios are all within walking distance of each other, and only ten minutes from Bath city centre.

Artists taking part this year include ceramicists Kate Marshall and Esther Norman in Shelley Road.

Nearby is photography by Pey Oh with watercolours by Bea Colborne. Photographer John Leahy shows with ceramicist Andy Rhodes.

Down to Shakespeare Avenue for the work of two abstract artists, Maggie Simonsen and Lindy Dickins.

On Chaucer Avenue Ben Hughes shows his oil paintings.

There are six venues in Longfellow Avenue. At the top is printmaker James Nunn, then along to see photographer Helena Miscioscia and illustrator Simon Gardner.

Lower down is ceramicist Claire Hubble who hosts illustrator Sammy Hayward and ceramicist Josie Phillips.

Nearby is photographer James Fox, and ceramicist Yvonne Elston and jeweller Karen Parker. Opposite is painter Jason Forster.

Head up the Wellsway for Catherine Day’s ceramics studio and along Greenway Lane to find Matt Roberts photography.

Then, head down to Hensley Road for Tamara Penwell’s iconography and on to Bloomfield Road for Sally Pollitzer’s prints and paintings.

Through the park to Maple Gardens to see Suzanne Baginski’s fused glass and Catherine Coffin’s jewellery.

Nearby in Bloomfield Avenue is wood turning by Roly Prosser.

Walking back to the Wellsway, find upholstery at Julia Davey’s interiors shop.

The Bear Inn hosts Richard Gardiner’s paintings.

The Methodist Church Hall displays work by local amateur artists, Circle Art Group.

A short walk down to Upper Oldfield Road for lino cuts by Robina Clifford, mixed media by Emma Ayes and photography by Nick Miners.

Lower Oldfield Road brings visitors to see paintings by Kristine O'Connor and glass by KT Black.

We’re excited to welcome lots of new artists this year too!

More information can be found at: www.bearflatartists.co.uk including artists’ statements and images of their work. A trail map can be downloaded. Brochures are also available in shops and galleries locally. 

Check @bearflatartists.co.uk for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Art Trail is a free event, open to everyone.