Arts trail planned for festival
THE whole of Macclesfield will be transformed into a celebration of local art at this year’s Barnaby Festival, which will see the return of the Visual Arts Trail.
The arts trail - a series of mini exhibitions held across the town during the 10 day festival - is a fantastic opportunity for artists to show off their work and for residents and visitors to enjoy the diverse mix from homegrown talent.
As well as huge installations from professional artists including as Macclesfield’s Zarah Hussain, there will be an eclectic mix of sculpture, painting, photography, mixed media and installation from local artists.
Visitors will be invited into bars, cafes, churches and even living rooms to see the artwork on display.
Mandy Martinez, festival manager, said it’s one of the most popular events on Barnaby calendar.
She said: “We have such a cultural community in Macclesfield with many creative people.
“The Visual Arts Trail is always really popular and this year’s event looks great. Be sure to get out and explore it.”
The Visual Arts Trail will be open to view from Friday June 1.
The trail is being coordinated by Mike Thorpe, Erika Groeneveld, Simon Hardware and Sabine Kussmaul, who are all exhibiting during the arts trail and based at twentysevenb studio, based at an old silk mill above The Fent Shop on Pickford Street.
Visual artist Sabine said: “We’re really excited to be part of the Visual Arts Trail for this year’s Barnaby.
“There’s about 20 different art projects dotted in and around the town, with a real diverse range of talents on display – including film, drawing, painting, print, installations and sculpture.”
Sculptor and painter Erika added: “The year I moved here from the Netherlands, was the first year the Barnaby Festival kicked off. I feel so lucky to having been able to be involved ever since.”
Mike, who is a freelance graphic designer, said it’s a unique opportunity for people to see local work.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for people in Macclesfield to get out and discover the amazing work being produced in this town.
“Alongside artists’ studios, there are even cafes and bars hosting work, so plenty of opportunity to recharge the batteries as you go round the trail.”
For more information go to barnabyfestival.org. uk.