The return of the arts trail

Totterdown Front Room Arts Trail_cr Judy DarleyAfter a hiatus in 2020, Totterdown Front Room Arts Trail returns on 20th and 21st November, offering the perfect opportunity to see what local artists have been up to during lockdown and get a few early, unique Christmas gifts!

The joyful theme is ‘Into the light.’

Now managed by artists Cai Burton and Luci Bearman, the trail has introduced some special measures to keep participants and visitors safe, which you can read about here.

The key detail for me is that although this has long been known as the Front Room art trail, this year there is a greater emphasis on outdoor and larger spaces as well as community venues. Can and Luci say: “Gone are the days of this only being a front room trail – perhaps you’ll put art in your windows? Your front garden? Your roof? Get creative with how you show your work!”

Most venues are open from 12-5pm.

Never been to an art trail? This is a great one to dip your toe (or jump head first) into. It offers a chance to meet the people dreaming up and making the works that capture your imagination and your heart, buy original creations directly from the artists and maybe come away with ideas for an ekphrastic short story or two as well!

Totterdown Front Room Arts Trail is on from 20th-21st November 2021. Find full details at frontroom.org.uk.

Got an event, challenge, competition or call for submissions you’d like to draw attention to? Send an email to judydarley (at) iCloud (dot) com.

Art worth climbing hills for

Urban Archaelogy 2 By Peter Ford

Urban Archaelogy 2 By Peter Ford

Art On The Hill returns to the Windmill Hill area of south Bristol on 7th-8th October, promising a wealth of exceptional creativity. I’ll be heading to 13 Cotswold Road to ascend the narrow stairs leading to Off-Centre Gallery. Printmaker and curator Peter Ford has long had me entranced with his unique view of the world, and this year he’ll also be joined by artists Dr. Michael McCaldin and Ruth Ander.

Urban Archaeology 1 by Peter Ford

Urban Archaeology 1 by Peter Ford

Other highlights I’m looking forward to include Stephen Mason’s ambiguous photography at 39 Gwilliam Street. Sixty artists have signed up to exhibit on the trail, so there should be plenty to tempt you.

Stephen Mason photography 2

Photography by Stephen Mason

Find full details and the trail map at www.artonthehill.org.uk.

Poems about slugs…

Knitted slug cr Woolly GoodnessFor the Southbank Bristol Arts Trail 2012 I wrote two pieces in response to Jenny Jones’ (aka Woolly Goodness) knitted slugs. This was a real challenge for me as I am absolutely definitely without a doubt not at all a fan of the slimy molluscs.

Jenny’s fuzzy slug was inspired by a childhood memory: “When I was little I dared my brother to kiss a slug, and he did… I’ve had a soft spot for the slimy rascals ever since.”

You can see more of Jenny’s work here.

 Instructions On How To Kiss A Slug

Jenny Jones kissy knitted slugClose your eyes, and hold your nose,
Pretend you’re just smelling a rose.
Purse your mouth, tight and round,
Bend down almost to the ground.
Ignore the slime, kiss him quick,
And don’t forget to wipe your lips!

Slugs Slither Slowly

Slugs slither slowly
under garden gates,
through cracks in garden walls
through each and any space.

Silently and after dark
when you’re tucked up, sleeping tight,
they wriggle in and set their mark,
waiting long into the night.

And as you snooze away the hours,
they fill their bellies with your flowers
sneaking away as morning comes
betrayed only by their sticky tums.

Ahem. The deadline for joining for the Southbank Bristol Arts Trail 2013 is 14 February 2013.