WOKINGHAM artists will feature prominently in this year’s Henley Arts Trail.
The popular event which supports borough creatives runs from Saturday, April 30, to Monday, May 2, at a host of local venues.
More than 10,000 visitors are expected to view the works of 200 artists ranging from paintings to sculpture, along with demonstrations and workshops.
Artists will be on hand to welcome guests and show their work with many venues offering refreshments.
Among them is Wokingham-based jewellery designer Marianne Hemmet McCaughey who will be based at the Garden Gallery in Twyford.
She says: “For the Henley Arts Trail, I have been working on an exclusive interpretation and celebration through jewellery of the extraordinary 20th-century women that were connected to Greys Court.
“I will be exhibiting a selection of handmade jewellery including my newest designs that are inspired by ancient Roman and Egyptian jewellery.”
Marianne said she is “fascinated by history, art and design.”
“Geology has always been a major inspiration for me, and has led to me being lucky to have lived in different parts of the world such as Cairo and Singapore.
“I believe there is something deeply personal about jewellery that can give a grounding in an otherwise turbulent world. Knowing the origin of the stones, how they have been used and what they have meant to people throughout history and today, is deeply meaningful.”
The Henley Arts Trail, launched in 2006, was the brainchild of Kirsten Jones, Kate Findlay and Judith Fletcher, with the aim of creating a platform to showcase the creative work of local artists.
With the support of other artists and sponsors over the years, the Trail has become something that visitors now look forward to, either to view the latest work of their favourite artists or to see who is new on the Trail… and this year there is a number of newcomers that are a must-see.
Marianne says the art scene in Wokingham was “incredibly important”.
“It is important to both observe, discuss and experience art as well as making it. There is a thriving artistic scene in Wokingham borough, I have recently started up an artists’ club, meeting monthly in Twyford to connect the artistic community,” she explains.
“I was astonished to find nearly 20 artists turning up for our first meeting and future meetings are looking to even better attended.”
She adds: “The Henley Arts Trail is a chance for local artists, including those in the northern part of the Borough to exhibit their art. There will also be scheduled talks about the art as well as refreshments and garden seating, allowing for a fun and relaxed visit. My husband has also been volunteered to make his long-time perfected Scandinavian cinnamon buns which we all look forward to.”
For more information and find out all the venues on the trail, log on to: www.henleyartstrail.com
