What's On in the Maldon District: Full details of the Burnham Art Trail this weekend

By Ben Shahrabi 22nd Jun 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 22nd Jun 2023

The 19th Burnham-On-Crouch Art Trail will begin this weekend, offering a range of art-based activities for families all over the Maldon District, from June 24 until July 2.

In total, 31 artists will be spread across 26 venues, including at artists' own studios. The event's regular 'schools' project will focus on a Conservation and Coronation-themed display at the United Reform Church. The Trail aims to boost and promote the visual arts to all.

A Trail spokesperson told Nub News: "We are looking to encourage these talented youngsters to explore their creativity."

Visitors can meet regular and new artists on the Trail's 'Open Studios'. They can view sketchbooks, work in progress, watch impromptu demonstrations and buy completed artworks.

Shops and businesses throughout Burnham will display work from creative. A broad spectrum of painting, mixed media, drawing, ceramics, jewellery, photography, printmaking and textile art will be on show.

The work of four featured artists will appear at The Museum Hub which will also show the 'Taster Wall', a firm favourite over the past few years. This gives visitors an overview of all participating artists. Additionally, there are unframed works to buy and 'Secret Postcards' to bid for.

Photo cut-out boards will be outside The Limes Farm Shop for selfies, where visitors can pose as Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon or Edvard Munch's masterpiece, The Scream. (Photos: Burnham Art Trail)

Burnham Art Trail's popular 'Art on the Quay' events run on both Sundays, June 25 and July 2, from 11am to 5pm. Visitors should look out for the bright pink gazebos opposite The Olde White Harte pub, where it will be based. Opposite the pub, artists and makers will have a rare opportunity to engage with the public to discuss their work, creative processes and inspiration.

Organisers say live music on the Quay on both Sundays will "add to the atmosphere".

Maldon-based singers The Mains'l Haul Shanty Crew will perform a range of hearty tunes. Also on the bill, Meg Crawford and friends, known as 'The Potato Badgers', will play English Traditional music on a selection of vintage acoustic instruments. A 'potato badger' is an obscure name for a seller of potatoes.

Wednesday 28 June

Creative Flower Photography, Burnham High Street from 10am until 12 noon

Learn original and interesting methods of capturing the beauty of flowers with Marion Sidebottom, a nature-based photographer and artist.

Thursday 29 June

Burnham Sketchers, meeting at Burnham Clocktower from 11am

Free and open to anyone interested in sketching. Participants should turn up and bring their own sketching materials. This is an opportunity to capture local scenes in participants' individual styles using any kind of media and sharing drawings.

11.00am: Meet at the Panoramic Painting of Burnham, next to the Clocktower. From there, visitors can wander and enjoy the architecture and back streets of the town; head to the quay with its boats, buildings and the country park; or head east to the open views of the marches.
1pm: Meet to share morning drawings, take a group photo and have lunch.
3.30pm: Meet again at the same place to share afternoon drawings and take a group photo.

Organisers suggest The Ye Old White Harte Pub on the Quay for a drink afterwards. However, the event will be cancelled if it rains.

View the full Burnham Art Trail guide and map below:

The Burnham Art Trail will continue next week, so check Maldon Nub News for the latest updates. For more details, visit the Burnham Art Trail website.