ESSEX SUMMER OF ART - part of Explore Culture

Be inspired and awaken your creative mind this summer

Essex is celebrating its third Summer of Art, a countywide showcase of art across Essex. Local artists will be exhibiting their work on 16 Art Trails and Open Studios in the county's rural, coastal and urban settings.

Taking place from May 2011 to October 2011 Summer of Art encourages people to visit the Essex art trails and explore the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.

Jaywick Martello Tower Coastal Open 26 August - 30 October 2011

Cuckoo Farm Artist Studios All Year round programme

Click here to download the 2011 Essex Summer of Art brochure.

Taking in painting, photography, ceramics, textile and sculpture, the art trails feature a wide variety of creative talent at both innovative and traditional venues across Essex. To make your experience more complete, why not visit also our more permanent art galleries offering you a wide sellection of works.

Essex Summer of Art has been brought to you by firstsite in partnership with Essex County Council's Arts Development, 2012 Legacy and Tourism Teams, participating District, Borough Councils, Unitary Authority, BBC Essex and Essex's many and varied art trails.

Essex is proud to have a 2012 Olympic Games venue at Hadleigh Farm in Castle Point, which will host the Mountain Bike events. However, the legacy of the 2012 Games in Essex will not just be felt in sport. In the build up to 2012, the Essex Summer of Art will form part of Essex's innovative contribution to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, a four year programme combining cultural activities and education with sport to showcase the UK to the rest of the world through the London Games.