The River Waveney Sculpture Trail is open. We take a wander down the riverbank to see what’s in store.
If you like walking, wildlife and art this is for you, with more than 40 pieces of sculptures and site-specific artwork nestled on a 24-acre site of lakes, meadows and woodland which also boasts wild mint, orchids and deer.
Organised by Waveney and Blyth Arts, the event builds on the success of last year’s trail and takes place at the River Waveney Study Centre, near Bungay.
Many established artists like Patrick Elder, Vanessa Pooley, Mark Goldsworthy, Bridget Heriz, Ros Newman and Michael Lewis will be joined by up-and-coming artists taking part for the first time.
Curator Dulcie Humphreys, of Fairhurst Gallery in Norwich, has encouraged artists to create work in response to the site.
“If you like walking, wildlife, beautiful scenery and art this event is one not to be missed. This year the art trail boasts more than 40 exhibitors from new emerging graduates to some of our region’s most established artists.
“People can expect to see traditional fine art sculpture, puppets, interactive sculptures and sound pieces. Artists have taken inspiration from the countryside, exploring issues facing our environment, social conflict and the idea of play. It’s a great day out for the family, bring a picnic or relax in the café and enjoy the walks.”
Sculptures range from a 6ft tall bronze totem pole and figures made from steel, wood and reeds to a 25ft fishing boat that has been disassembled and reconstructed in different forms and a scaled-up toy wooden rabbit.
A programme of workshops, guided walks and events will accompany the trail - funded by Essex and Suffolk Water, Fonnereau Road Health Foundation Fund and Norfolk County Council - which runs to Sunday, September 4.
Set out on two loops, the trail totals a little over one mile, with both loops accessible by wheelchair. The group has put a number of assistance schemes in place to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy it.
Nicky Stainton, chairman of Waveney and Blyth Arts, adds: “We’re very keen to promote greater access and will have a pre-recorded audio guide to the sculpture trail and a portable hearing loop for workshops.”
There’s also a British Sign Language interpreted curator’s walk.
The tearoom and visitors’ centre will be open throughout the trail and hosts the accompanying exhibition, Glimpses of the Waveney, featuring work by members of the Harleston and Waveney Art Trail Collective.
The trail, part of a programme of events run by Waveney and Blyth Arts over the summer, is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Monday from 10am-4pm. Due to the on-site wildlife the only dogs allowed are trained assistance ones.
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