More than 70 local artists displayed their work all around Kirkstall this weekend to the delight of hundreds of Leeds residents, writes Lola Wilson, editor Leeds Love Affair.
Their work was exhibited at 22 venues including Kirkstall Abbey, St Stephen’s Church, the Bridge Shopping Park, Hollybush Conservation Centre, Kirkstall Health Centre, Girlguiding Leeds Trefoil Centre, a camper van and even residents’ houses and gardens.
This was the third Kirkstall Art Trail, which is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers. Organisers said:
“Kirkstall Art Trail is a way to celebrate creativity within Kirkstall. The event started out as a small one day event, showcasing the creativity that Kirkstall had to offer.
“Last year the Art Trail became a two day celebration of creativity, offering a variety of exhibitions, activities and fun for all.
“Thanks to funding from the Community Committee and our local hosts we have been able to keep our event free to attend.”
The art on show was a diverse range of print, sculpture, installation, painting, photography, illustration, textile, craft and craft.
Many of the artists also hosted workshops and demonstrations so kids and adults could get hands-on with lino print, paper sculpture, painting and badge making.
One of the unique highlights of the trail was the Piano Raft – a refurbished boat being pulled along the Leeds Liverpool canal by artist Ben Cummins.
Ben has been pulling the raft along with a rope tied around his waist and has given himself 25 years to complete his mission to get it to London while continuing to add to the boat with materials sourced along the way. The boat has so far grown three times in size since the project started four years ago.
Photos by Ewa Kawalec and Paul McKendrick.