Sculpture trail set to adorn the River Waveney this summer

A trail of sculptures and site-specific artwork will snake its way along an idyllic south Norfolk river this summer.

The River Waveney Sculpture Trail will feature more than 40 works of art nestled on a 24-acre site of lakes, meadows and woodland boasting wild mint, orchids and deer.

Organised by Waveney & Blyth Arts the event builds on the success of last year’s trail and will take place at the River Waveney Study Centre near Bungay. Many established artists such as 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, who has encouraged artists to create work in response to the site, said: “If you like walking, wildlife, beautiful scenery and art this event is one not to be missed.

“This year the art trail boasts over 40 exhibitors from new emerging graduates to some of our regions 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 cafe and enjoy the walks.”
The sculptures range from a six foot tall bronze totem pole and figures made from steel, wood and reeds to a 25 foot fishing boat that has been disassembled and reconstructed in different forms and a scaled up toy wooden rabbit.

During August and September Waveney & Blyth Arts is offering 13 walks and workshop days which each have a creative theme or activity for people who want to gain greater insight into the beautiful Waveney and Blyth landscape.

A programme of workshops, guided walks, and events will accompany the trail, which runs from Friday, August 12 until Sunday, September 4.

Click image to view programme

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 the trail.

Chairman of Waveney & Blyth Arts, Nicky Stainton, said: “We are 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 is also a British Sign Language interpreted Curator’s Walk.

The tearoom and visitors’ centre at the site will be open throughout the trail and will host the accompanying exhibition ‘Glimpses of the Waveney’ featuring work by members of the Harleston & Waveney Art Trail Collective.

The trail, which is part of a programme of events run by Waveney and Blyth Arts over the summer months, is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday from 10am until 4pm

Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for members of Waveney and Blyth Arts and River Waveney Trust, under 18s go free.

Due to the abundant wildlife on the site dogs are not allowed apart from trained assistance dogs.

For more information about events and access information go to Our Events at www.waveneyandblytharts.com

The trail is funded by Essex & Suffolk Water, Fonnereau Road Health Foundation Fund and Norfolk County Council.

Programme of accompanying events:

Photography Walk & Workshop
Tuesday, August 16, 10am – 4pm, £20/£15
Spend a creative and inspiring day with like-minded photographers. There will be a chance to view the sculptures before spending time photographing your favourites. Professional photographer Lucy Kayne will be on hand to offer guidance and technical advice. In the afternoon view and edit your work, followed by an informal group review.

For further information contact [email protected] or call 07944 505419

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Dance & Sculpture
Wednesday, August 17, 3pm – 5pm, £10/£8
Dance for anyone aged 12 or over, regardless of previous dance experience. Mel Horwood will guide you through a simple series of movements in order to encourage you to view and respond to shape and space through your body and movement, with live music accompaniment.

For further information contact [email protected] or call 07500 600176

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Audio-described Walk
Thursday, August 18, 10.30am – 12.30pm, £10/£8
An audio-described walk for people with sight loss, led by Louise Fryer.

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Family Fun Day
Friday, August 19, 12pm – 4pm, £2 per child
Children love discovering the artwork along the trail and seeing the tame deer. To make the experience even more special come along to our drop- in children’s outdoor art workshops, including make your own charcoal, wild drawing and sculpting with clay. All children must be accompanied by parents/carers. No advance bookings.

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Curator’s Guided Walk
Saturday, August 20, 10am – 12pm, £10/£8
Come and gain a greater insight into the works and artists who have contributed to this year’s trail in the company of curator Dulcie Humphrey.

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Curator’s Guided Walk + BSL Interpreter
Saturday, August 20, 1pm – 3pm, £10/£8
Come and gain a greater insight into the works and artists who have contributed to this year’s trail in the company of curator Dulcie Humphrey. For BSL speakers, in conjunction with Deaf Connexions.

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Late Night Opening & Barbecue
Sunday, August 21, 5pm – 9pm, £7.50/£6.50
A rare chance to enjoy the sounds and sights of dusk along the River Waveney. The site will stay open until 9pm and there will be a barbecue and refreshments available.

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Poet-Tree – Poetry Walk & Workshop
Tuesday, August 23, 10am – 4pm, £15/£12
Join Suffolk Poetry Society members on this special creative day, linking words and art. Led by poet Elizabeth Soule and author Chris Reeve, take a short walk along the trail and hear poetry inspired by the river and the sculptures. In the afternoon produce your own short poems, which will be written onto leaves of durable paper and hunt to create a Poet-Tree on the trail. Tea and coffee included, but bring your own lunch.

For further information email [email protected] or call 01449 766879.

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Landscape Painting Workshop with Sarah Cannell
Thursday, August 25, 10am – 4pm, £45/£40
An opportunity to enjoy the amazing water meadows of the River Waveney and see the landscape anew in this one-day workshop with acclaimed artist Sarah Cannell. Free up your drawing skills and learn how to capture the essence of place through line and bold colour. Suitable for all levels of experience. Teas and coffees included, but bring your own lunch.

For further information contact [email protected] or call 01508 548941.

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