Bumper year for Malmesbury’s annual art show

This year’s town centre art gallery in Malmesbury looks set to be the best yet, with record numbers taking part.

The venue is a place where retailers and businesses showcase the work of local artists,

Launched by Malmesbury’s Deputy Mayor Stephen James and running until September 22, the High St+ Art Gallery includes 52 works displayed in the windows of the town’s shops and businesses.

The artwork created both by newcomers and more experienced artists, ranges from paintings and photography, to glasswork, ceramics, mixed media, mosaic and even iconography.  All is for sale, and some has already been snapped up.

Organised by Malmesbury Town Council, the event not only gives local artists an opportunity to display and sell their work, but also brings added interest to visitors to the town. 

A free map of where all the artwork is located, along with details of the artists, is available from the Tourist Information Centre, Malmesbury Town Hall, or the Town Council’s website at www.malmesbury.gov.uk.

One of the organisers, Cllr Kim Power, said: “Malmesbury is definitely the place to visit over the summer! The High St+ Art Gallery is for everyone – you can follow the free trail and just enjoy looking at the artwork, but it’s also available to buy, at a variety of prices.

“We have been blown away this year by the huge talent of those exhibiting their artwork, from well-known and established artists to those who are just starting out. 

“We are also really delighted with the phenomenal response from a record 52 artists and corresponding number of shops and businesses wanting to take part. There is a real buzz in town!”

The High St+ Art Gallery is one of two art events happening in Malmesbury this summer.

Over the weekend of 21 and 22 September, the annual Flying Monk Art Trail will be staged by Malmesbury arts development agency Caerbladon, celebrating the work of artists and makers living and working in the area. The trail takes in several locations in the town as well as surrounding villages. For more details, people can visit www.flyingmonk.co.uk.

For music lovers, the second annual Malmesbury Folk & Roots Festival takes place on 21 September in the Abbey’s Cloister Gardens from 2pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost £30 for adults; £15 for 13 to 17-year-olds; under 13s get in for free. 

They are available from the Town Hall, Tourist Information Centre, Caerbladon or via https://www.malmesburyfolkroots.org/.