For this year’s Leigh Art Trail, we had a change of venue, as after 3 fabulous years at the Refill Room, we headed off to Metal Southend, in the delightful surroundings of Chalkwell Park. It felt like a home coming as we first met each other at Metal on Heidi Wigmore’s Creative Journalling classes.
Our theme this year was Ghosts. As usual, we each took the theme in a very different direction, for instance Nicola said “It’s also been a chance to explore the idea of what a ghost is. Are ghosts really lost souls, wandering? Sometimes with good intentions? Playful, even? At other times angry with the life and people they left behind?” while Jo was inspired by the book ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghosts‘. Juliet took her inspiration from the ghosts of Chalkwell Hall saying “Using research by writer, artist, and archivist Rachel Lichtenstein* as a starting point, I delved into the history of the Hall.”
Amanda took a more instinctive approach, “No one idea has dominated the process of creation, but I have allowed it to develop and suggest to me what my overarching concerns were with the theme ‘Ghosts’.” whilst Kim created a ‘Miscellany of Ghosts’, “Well, I began with a list. Thinking about ghosts I wrote down whatever sprang to mind. As the list grew and grew, I realised that we use the word ‘ghost’ to describe a great many diverse things.” and Helen delved into her family history to reveal, “Yet, ultimately, I think this book is about haunting. How we’re haunted by our pasts. Our choices. Our guilt. Our memories. Haunted by our ancestors, even…
Metal proved to be a great venue as we had lots of room to show our Ghosts books, plus some accompanying working books and explanations. We also had a creativity table that all ages could have fun with drawing. We had a good mix of those who are avid Trailers and those walking through the park and popped in to see when the door was open, and those whose dogs came in for a look without them!
We also had the benefit of showing with other artists (Wendy Scotland, Mia Davies and KOMAR) also exhibiting at the Hall. This resulted in a rich variety of work for people to see, plus many arty chats during the week. It also enabled us to co-host a private view, plus it was a treat to be able to see so many of our friends, family and supporters, on a very rainy Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to Metal for allowing us to exhibit our work, and to Wendy and the whole Art Trail team for organising such a great week.
The Leigh Art Trail event: 6 – 14 July 2024.