'Art'icles

Opening My Studio – My First Art Trail

This September, I’m thrilled to be taking part in the Clwydian Creatives Art Trail for the very first time. It’s a wonderful event where artists around the region open their studios to the public every weekend in September — and I’ll be one of them! This year the event received an award for Arts Initiative of the year – Wales so it’ll be doubly exciting to take part. Whilst it’s exciting it’s also nerve wracking with tons of prep to do and as I have an energy limiting disability I have to plan my time carefully. I will be in the schoolhouse at Greenfield Valley on 20th and 27th September 2025 for my first art trail.

Why I’m Taking Part

As someone who’s largely self-taught and used to working alone, this is a big step. I’ve found so much healing and joy through painting — and now, I get to share that. Having travelled as a child I have always felt displaced and outside of every community so, for me, being part of this art trail is part personal growth by being part of a community of artists and art lovers. As part of my attendance I will be initiating a collaborative art piece connected with the site and my artistic goals. This is a great way for me to connect with the community and give something back. Although I share my work online it will be different in person and a milestone in my artistic journey.

Why You Should Visit – What You’ll See at My Studio

Visitors will be able to see works in progress, finished pieces, and join in four different demos across the weekend — from expressive wildflowers to detailed animal portraits.

There will also be some interactive elements and a collaborative art piece to get involved with. ‘Abbey’s Echoes’ will involve frottage – a technique of collecting textures by rubbing over them on paper – and will be focussed on healing plants and plants with traditional uses which is a key theme of my practice.

Behind the Scenes – Preparing for My First Art Trail

Battling the nerves is real but also I thrive on creativity and there have been several opportunities for this so far:

• creating flyers
• creating a poster
• thinking up demos
• planning interactive elements
• working out a collaborative activity
• creating interactive elements
• generating press releases

There’s a lot to think about! Luckily I can do a lot of these things while resting which leaves me energy to paint. It’s been fun breaking down my painting process into four manageable demos, that should be interesting to watch. I’m pretty nervous about the collaborative piece in case no one gets involved but it’s been a joy to conceive of.

Where and When to Find Me

Greenfield Valley Schoolhouse, Greenfield, Flintshire

September 20th and 27th from 11:00 to 16:00 hrs

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There is parking on the bottom road on the left just before the traffic lights (if approaching from the Flint direction) or turn up the hill at the lights and there is parking on the left after the shops.

Further Info

I would love to see you there and remember there are many talented artists also on the trail to visit. Below are 2 files to download and share. One is a flyer with my studio details on it and the other is the Clwydian Creatives flyer with details of all the other studios on. Visit their website for more info @ Clwydian Creatives