Art / Art Trail
West Bristol Arts Trail returns for 17th year
The 17th year of West Bristol Arts Trail will be taking place on the weekend of October 12-13.
Over 150 artists will be inviting visitors into their homes and studios across Clifton, Redland and Hotwells, with some community venues including Clifton Scout Hut, Savills, Holy Trinity Church, 212 Productions and St John’s Primary School (Juniors) also taking part.
The range of work on show is vast, from contemporary painting to glass-blowing, sculpture to jewellery-making, ceramics to upcycled homewares and printmaking to photography. Bristol24/7 spoke to three artists about their participation in the annual weekend:
is needed now More than ever
Andy Davies-Coward – figurative cityscape painter, working in oils
“I’m in my fourth year now. I have sold through a gallery previously, but I love the face-to-face contact with people who appreciate my work. I also appreciate the camaraderie that comes from sharing an exhibition space with other artists.
“This year, I’m showing mainly views of Clifton, Hotwells and the docks – the areas I can easily walk to and like to spend time in. I look for scenes that present a challenge to me as a painter – either in terms of composition or lighting.”
Painting of Clifton Suspension Bridge from Hotwells, by Andy Davies-Coward – photo: courtesy of the artist
Painting of the historic cranes at Bristol’s dockyard, by Andy Davies-Coward – photo: courtesy of the artist
Linda Alvis – photographer, author and artist, working mainly in pastels
“I’m a self-taught artist with a life-long love of drawing and painting fuelled by worldwide travels and a great interest in other countries, their people and landscapes.
“I have been involved in this event since its inception, if not before, when an early trail, ‘Around the Houses’ was formed. Historic West Bristol has been home for much of my life and its presence and atmosphere is a great inspiration to me. It has an artistic heart and is very welcoming, with something for everyone.
“At this year’s trail, I will be showing a selection of Bristol and worldwide landscapes, as well as some portraits and abstracts. I’ll also be presenting photographs, and from my writing, my travel saga trilogy, children’s books and an illustrated poetry book which includes some award-winning poems.”
Little Owl, Kielder Forest – pastel, by Linda Alvis – photo: courtesy of the artist
Strelitzia – pastel, by Linda Alvis – photo: courtesy of the artist
Lisa Travers – contemporary mixed-media collage artist
“I exhibited at West Bristol Arts Trail for the first time last year, and it’s such a lovely busy event. It’s really good for me to get out and mix with other artists and show work to people; making art is quite a solitary activity so it’s nice to get out and chat about my work.
“In my work, I use 18th and 19th century anatomy illustrations to create layered collages. I will be bringing some smaller pieces to the art trail as well as affordable prints and cards.”
Hearts In Atlantis, by Lisa Travers – photo: courtesy of the artist
Courage, by Lisa Travers – photo: courtesy of the artist
West Bristol Arts Trail 2024 takes place on October 12-13, from 11am-5pm daily. For more information and a map of participating venues, visit www.westbristolarts.com.
Main photo: Linda Alvis (Bristol Harbourside and Ferry, drawn in pastels)
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
