Art trail is launched
The Arran Art Trail is officially launched today (Saturday).
To mark the opening, renowned Glasgow artist Avril Paton visited the island to see for herself what the trail will offer.
The year-round trail will compliment the annual visual arts event, the Arran Open Studios weekend, which offers locals and visitors the opportunity to visit artists and crafts people in their studios.
The trail will extend this throughout the year and will include 19 venues from potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, wood turners, photographers, textile workers, glass workers to furniture makers as well as venues and galleries exhibiting local artists work.
The trail is the brain- child of Brodick artists Ann Hume and Angela Elliot-Walker.
Avril has strong connections to Arran. She lived on the island for 35 years, brought up her family here and frequently returns to visit family.
She is best known for her work, Windows in the West which is owned by Glasgow Museums and hangs in Kelvingrove Art Gallery. It also recently featured in the film Trainspotting 2.
Avril said: ‘The Arran Art Trail is sure to be a great success as an interesting and exciting addition to the island’s many attractions.
‘I think the very high quality and diversity of the arts and crafts produced here will see the enterprise go from strength to strength. I wish the Arran Art Trail all possible good luck now at it’s start and as it develops onward and upwards in the years to come.’
Ann said: ‘The idea is to give visitors and local residents the opportunity to visit practicing artists and craftspeople in their studios and to gain some insight into how creative people work as well as what inspires them.
‘I’m looking forward to welcoming people to my Edith, my shepherds hut studio, as I am sure all the other participants are as well.’
Printed brochures are available on the ferry, at the VisitScotland tourist office and other venues around the island. It includes a map showing where the studios are situated along with some images and information on artists’ work.