The work of 8,500 Walthamstow artists and residents will be exhibited around the local area from 1 to 16 June as part of the 15th E17 Art Trail.
The annual festival, being staged this year as part of the Mayor’s first London Borough of Culture in Waltham Forest, will feature 400 exhibitions in 205 private and public spaces around the borough. This makes it one of the largest open access visual arts festivals in the UK.
For 2019, artists were inspired by the theme “Wonder {of art and science}”. They responded with an exciting range of diverse pieces tackling mental health and well-being, environmental issues and campaigns, celebrations of remarkable women and the power of art and science together.
The inclusive festival of art features work by internationally known artists alongside local residents and students. The work is exhibited in a host of locations, spanning homes, community centres and schools, restaurants, local businesses and faith centres.
Highlights of this year’s E17 Art Trail include:
- Does the brain sculpt identity like an artist sculpts clay? A groundbreaking collaboration between ceramicist Amanda Doidge and neuroscientists from King’s College London
- Swarm. A call to arms responding to the plight of our pollinating insects, featuring work by Alke Schmidt, Anna Alcock, Hannah Ford, Miyuki Kasahara and Sandi Sutton
- Female Icons. Lucy Henzell-Thomas’ portraits of women who have inspired wonder
- Beryl Swain: The Need for Speed. A coming together of female motorcyclists to celebrate the pioneer who became the first woman to ride solo in the infamous Isle of Man TT race
- Inner Light. A new textile installation from Reziah Wahid MBE
The E17 Art Trail was first staged in 2004. The biennial festival, which works with artists, creatives, businesses, community organisations and schools in Walthamstow, has grown year on year since then. In 2017, it hosted more than 300 events featuring the work of 7,500 people which drew 75,000 visitors.
As part of Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture, 2019’s E17 Art Trail will be even bigger. Full details are available on the E17 Art Trail website.