Three talented local artists have set up Sale’s first ever arts trail.

Great British Life: Sarah ThirlwellSarah Thirlwell (Image: not Archant)

The inaugural trail will take place across two days later this month after a preview of the event at Sale Waterside Arts Centre on July 11. Sophie Nixon-Clark, a painter, Sarah Malone, a ceramicist and Jo Lavelle, a jeweller, decided to start the arts trail after feeling that working from their home studios closed them off from the creative community.

Great British Life: Sarah MaloneSarah Malone (Image: not Archant)

The trail, which involves several studios around the Sale area opening their doors, will uncover hidden talent and show the public how these artists work and what they create. A range of skills and disciplines including painting, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, stone-carving and photography will be on display.

‘The three of us were based in studios until about two years ago when we decided to turn our homes in our studios,’ said Sophie. ‘Although we still love working at home, we don’t feel as connected to the art community. Setting up this arts trail connects artists together but also gives the public an opportunity to see what we produce within that space.’

As well as private studio spaces, a number of venues in Sale will exhibit work and give artists a space to demonstrate their crafts, including cafés Bean and Brush and Serendipitea.

‘The reception from the public and businesses has been brilliant. We weren’t sure what the reaction to an event like this would be, but it seems to have created a ripple effect of people talking and we have had to turn down venues,’ said Sophie.

‘Sarah, Jo and I started this trail from scratch and there is now a great community feel about it. It’s been hard work to organise but exciting too. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the artistic talent in our area.’

For more information and a list of exhibiting artists, visit: www.facebook.com/saleartstrail