Follow the South Hams Arts Trail

51 of the most exciting home studios, workshops, galleries and exhibition halls across the South Hams will be showing artworks inspired by the glorious South Devon coastline, from Wembury to Dartmouth as part of South Hams Arts Forum Arts Trail (18-26 October).
Now in its fourth year, the trail is organised by South Hams Arts Forum, an active association of talented, enthusiastic artists and crafts people. Elisabeth Cooper, one of the organisers, is excited about the event: “So many of the artists are influenced by the beautiful coastline and countryside and this can be seen in their paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, even jewellery.” Elisabeth explains that, “they are always happy to discuss the processes involved and when you meet them you might be inspired to commission a special piece or join them for a short course.”
Beginning at the western corner of the trail in Wembury, painter Roberta Blackler uses a complete mix of media. Visit her seaside studio on Cliff Road to see how she uses oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastel on both natural driftwood collected on the beach and traditional canvas.
Discover a treasure trove of beautiful, original artworks at the new ArtSix Studio situated in a wonderful grade II listed Devon farmhouse near Yealmpton. Six styles of creation include top quality fine art coastal photography by Susan Brown – almost abstract images such as her azure tryptich of the lido at Shoalstone Brixham. Penny Hardy’s giant leaping hare is a great example of her use of simple raw materials to create dynamic sculptures often exhibited in their natural surroundings. And the stones and boulders along the physical and metaphorical pathways influence Beth Levinsky’s earthy ceramic pieces.
Further east in Kingsbridge, the Market Hall is a hub with 11 artists exhibiting. One of which is illustrator Tor Allen, whose mixed media artwork incorporates vibrant colours and a strong sense of design, capturing animals, insects and birds in a light, fresh way. On the south coast in Salcombe, visit Michele Meyer’s beautifully designed home where her natural ceramic sculptures are on display, alongside Hepzibah Mcleod’s more ethereal drawings.
At each venue, artists are happy to answer questions and explain their processes, as well as provide visitors with the opportunity to view and buy their work. Pick up an Arts Trail 2014 programme and explore the South Devon coastline through the eyes of local artists and see the landscapes from their perspective.
18-26 October 2014. Free. For more information, directions and opening times, visit: shaf.org.uk