Art lovers can get a behind-the-scenes look at how local artists create their work by going on an art trail around Bowness-on-Solway.

The Around the Island Art Trail returns for the sixth year this weekend as artists open the doors to their studios for visitors to pop in and have a look around. 

Ten artists will have their work on display throughout the area which includes sculpture, woodturning, wildlife photography, painting, ceramics, and more. 

Rowena Beaty, one of the artists involved, said:​ "It's very, very popular. It's now our sixth year and we have hundreds of visitors, literally hundreds of visitors.

"It is really amazing. It's just built up year over year."

The trail runs right around the Bowness-on-Solway coastal area and will take visitors along the 'scenic route' as they travel to each studio. 

It's a chance to browse, buy, and discuss art with incredible Cumbrian artists surrounded by their tools of the trade and the landscape that inspires them.

The artists opening their doors are Rowena Beaty, Alison Critchlow, Roger Golding, Daniel Ibbotson, John and Judith Rogers, Hilary Rose Burt, Alison Faye, Ray Pearson, and Jonathan Leech. 

Rowena said: "By going to the artist's studio, you get to see the tools, the craftsmanship, and you can talk about the actual creative process of producing the work, and people find that just fascinating.

"In all of the studios, you can talk to the artist about the actual creative process, and the ideas that go into making the work. So, it's a great day out."

But, not only is it an ideal day out for art fans, it's also a great way to explore the surrounding area by dropping into tea rooms, cafes, and pubs along the route.

There's also the Area of Natural Beauty and the local Roman ruins to take a look at too. 

The trail can be found by following the Burgh road out of Carlisle and looking out for the sunny flags along the road. The first stop along this route is The Chapel at Port Carlisle. 

Rowena added: "It's a great day out. It's an incredibly beautiful landscape and eight very interesting venues and they're all so different."

The Around the Island Art Trail is open on September 21-22 and 28-29 between 11am-5pm.

 

Rowena Beaty's studio will only be open on September 21-22.