A BELOVED community art trail is set to return to the charming streets of Wivenhoe this weekend.

The Wivenhoe Art Trail, a non-profit making event, is designed to support and promote artist and makers who reside in Wivenhoe as they throw open their studio doors to the public.

In total 43 artists are spread across the trail’s 25 venues, which weave from the high street, through quaint and quiet side streets, down to the glittering riverfront.

The trail is “rich and diverse,” featuring works ranging from ceramics, sculptures, paintings, textiles, and jewellery.  

Gazette: Makers- 43 artists and makers will be offering ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more. Makers- 43 artists and makers will be offering ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more. (Image: Claudia Bradley, Newsquest)

Alison Stockmarr, one of the trail’s six organisers, said the event is “an inclusive opportunity to really see art in action”.

She said: “Everyone who takes part in the trail lives in Wivenhoe, so everything’s handmade and locally made.”

Alison has lived in Wivenhoe for 40 years and says the artistic community of the town has always been particularly vibrant.

“Each year it’s grown,” she said. “We are professionals, established makers, and emerging talent.”

The trail has several artists who have been in the Royal Academy, including Alison herself, and she’s currently in the final round of artists waiting to hear if she’ll be in the Royal Academy for their summer exhibition.

Gazette: Trail- Maps for the venues can be found in the bookshop and the post office, and some venues are sign posted. Trail- Maps for the venues can be found in the bookshop and the post office, and some venues are sign posted. (Image: Claudia Bradley, Newsquest)

Alison started her career as a clothes designer and has been a maker and artist all her life.

She said: “The art trail is an educational delight to come and see people reveal the source of how they make things, and it’s a great opportunity for younger people to come in and really engage with the makers who have been doing it for a long while."

Alison was one of the first who suggested involving Wivenhoe’s two primary schools, Broomgrove and Millfields, in the art trail by exhibiting the children’s work in the churchyard of St Mary’s church.

“The aim is to keep the next generation coming along so we can maintain our creative reputation.”

Gazette: Artists- Young artists in Wivenhoe's primary schools contribute to the trail. Artists- Young artists in Wivenhoe's primary schools contribute to the trail. (Image: Alison Stockmarr)

When Wivenhoe was named ‘Best place to live in the East of England’ by The Sunday Times, it was said that “art is the heart of this picturesque town.”

Alison added that the five-minute film for the art trail on the website gives “a great flavour of what to expect.”

Visitors come from as far as Kent, London and Norwich.

Wivenhoe is easily accessible via train, has multiple car parks, and is within cycling distance of Colchester.

Maps of the venues can be found in Wivenhoe's bookshop and post office. 

The trail runs between 10am to 5pm, from May 17 to 19.