WHAT better way to showcase a town’s artistic talent than by staging an arty trail?
That’s what will happen in Batley next weekend when creative spaces in the town will be opening their doors to let visitors see what they do.
On show will be work by established artists, emerging artist and community groups for an art trail which aims to show the diverse range of work being done in the area.
Batley Art Gallery is taking part in the Batley Art Trail which runs from Friday April 9 to Thursday April 15.
The gallery, which is on the upper floor of the library building on Market Place, is holding an open afternoon on Saturday, April 10 from 1pm-3pm. Visitors will be able to see Someplace Else, an exhibition by Inkers, a group of printmakers based in the Yorkshire region.
They will also be able to meet the artists and have a go at painting and printmaking.
Other venues taking part in the Batley Art Trail are Dean Kemp Sculpture, Redbrick Mill, Bradford Road; Gallery Forward, Wellington Street; Gallery North, Redbrick Mill, Bradford Road; Textile Hall, Hick Lane and The Whitfield Centre, Society for the Blind of Dewsbury Batley and District, Soothill Lane.
The art trail has been devised and coordinated by Mark Milnes, exhibiton co-ordinator at Batley Art Gallery; Clare Davies at Gallery Forward; and Karen Stansfield at the Textile Hall.
“Batley – with the exception of the celebrated Bacon painting – isn’t really known for its art, and that's a real shame,” said Mark.
“There’s a wealth of things going on here, and we have a lot of talented artists in the area.
“It's time that we celebrated this. Hopefully the trail will make people more aware of the exciting things happening on their doorstep.”
A leaflet about the art trail will be available at the venues taking part.
Someplace Else runs at Batley Art Gallery until Saturday, April 17. Opening times are: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am-5pm, Wednesday 9.30am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
For details contact the art gallery on 01924 326021.
