Some of the region’s most talented artists and makers will soon come together to showcase their work in the Henley Arts Trail, taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 4-6.
Doors to studios, village halls, workshops and homes will be thrown open to the public to enjoy three days of browsing and buying unique and locally handcrafted paintings, ceramics, jewellery and more.
More than 30 venues will be up and running, representing the work of over 200 local artists and creators.
One of those is Steve Hedger, the creative mind and pair of hands behind Chissock Woodcraft, located within the grounds of Wargrave’s Yeldall Manor.
Steve, a furniture restorer and woodcraftsman, has the unique ability to turn banister poles into lamps, windmills into benches and boats into stools.
His workshop is really worth a visit, deeply inspiring and atmospheric. During the Henley Arts Trail he will share it with eleven other artists, all there to support Yeldall Manor, the Christian-based addiction recovery centre and charity.
This is the second time that Steve is taking part in the Henley Arts Trail.
“Last year was an amazing success for us. We had between 600-700 people through the door in three days and all of us sold really well. It was a very positive experience,” he said.
Steve said he used to enjoy the Trail as a visitor and is now working hard to collaborate with Yeldall and the other artists to make the public’s visit to The Coach House, venue number 33, a real event.
“This year, we are trying to do it a little bit more. We’ll be serving hot Indian food, a friend of one of the artists is coming to make it for us, plus Yeldall will run a food stall. There’s ample parking and outdoor space and we will put up a marquee and on one of the days have live music.”
Members of the public will also be able to find out more about the work that takes place at Yeldall and support it with donations and a raffle, the prizes of which are donated by each of the artists.
Another unique exhibition available for viewing at The Coach House will be work created by some of the attendees on the Yeldall recovery programme.
Part of their sobriety journey involves them getting involved with local businesses and as a former addict, Steve has been only too happy to share his skills and knowledge with them in the hope of inspiring future artistic careers.
“Rehab has changed slightly in that there is a big emphasis on the therapeutic side of things,” he said.
“For me getting the guys involved with us is really important and if we can get them involved in different shows it gives them a bit of an aim.”
Chissock Woodcraft is venue number 33 on the trail. More details can be found here: www.henleyartstrail.com