DISCOVER THE BOGNOR COASTAL ART TRAIL

A CREATIVE JOURNEY BY THE SEA BY SUE BARTELL

Following the success of our first Bognor Coastal Art Trail in 2022 we are delighted to announce that our local artists and craftspeople will be opening their studio and workshop doors again in 2023. The BCAT committee had been working hard, in the background, to make this another successful year.

Are you ready for a captivating art experience by the sea? Look no further than the second Bognor Coastal Art Trail which takes place over the last two weekends of July 2023. This impressive trail showcases the talent of local artists and craftspeople, while offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Bognor area. Get ready to embark on a creative journey that will leave you inspired.

This year we have 24 artists for you to visit, displaying their work over 18 venues, which will span a 7-mile coastal strip from Pagham to Elmer or Elmer to Pagham. The art trail is a celebration of creativity, culture and community. Each stop along the trail offers a unique experience and showcases the rich artistic talent in the area. Venues will be open from 10.30am to 5pm on each of the days.

Take your time to appreciate the diverse range of artworks on display, created by talented local artists and craftspeople, some who draw inspiration from the surrounding coastal area.

As you venture along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to visit various venues that are not usually open to the public. Step into the creative spaces of these artists and witness first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into their craft. Engage in conversations with the artists, gain insight into their artistic process, and perhaps even find a piece of art that speaks to your soul.

The venues can be reached by cycling, walking, public transport or by car. Take a stroll along the beach or along the promenade between venues and enjoy the fresh coastal air. There are plenty of places to pick up lunch or refreshments along the way, particularly in Bognor Town Centre.

The 24 artists taking part offer a variety of crafts from painting, pottery, embroidery and jewellery to photography, ceramics, glass and textiles. There’s something for everyone to explore and last year we had over 1170 visitors to the trail.

The Bognor Coastal Art Trail isn’t just about showcasing the artworks; it’s about fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Engage with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange ideas and be inspired by the collective energy that permeates the trail.

Make sure to mark the last two weekends of July 2023 – 22nd/23rd and 29th/30th – on your calendar and join us to enjoy the creativity of artists in the Bognor area. The Bognor Coastal Art Trail invites you to discover the beauty of an ordinary seaside town and the talents of its artists, leaving you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the power of art.

I cannot finish this article without saying a big thank you to the following: Martin at DHM, Design House Media, for running our website and designing our posters and guides. Bognor Town Council for awarding us some Grant Aid funding. There was a lot of competition for funding this year and we were lucky enough to gain the sponsorship of Bognor Town Council for our 2023 Art Trail. This shows our shared commitment to promoting the arts in our local area and to raising the profile of Bognor and local businesses.

The Reynolds family for supporting our event and providing us with free exhibition space. Our preview exhibition at Reynolds Furniture store in Bognor High Street will give you a taster of what’s to come on the trail. This runs from Saturday 1 July, (closed Sunday 2nd) until Saturday 8 July. Why not pop in, say hello and collect your free trail guide. Free trail guides will also be available in Bognor library and various shops in Bognor, Rose Green and Felpham from July.