ARTISTS and businesses are coming together to launch the very first Prudhoe Art Trail.

The event, which is being organised by Prudhoe Community Partnership, is planned to take place between July 13 and 20.

So far, more than 20 Prudhoe businesses have said they are keen to display artists’ work, and the community partnership also plans to secure a pop-up shop to showcase work and run events related to the art trail throughout the week.

George Hepburn, of Prudhoe Community Partnership, said: “We are hoping that this Art Trail will be the first of many in the town and that it will both put Prudhoe on the UK’s artistic map and benefit local businesses. We are seeking top quality work from artists who live in and around the town.”

Prudhoe-based artists Claudia Quayle and Paul Stangroom are among those who have already expressed an interest, and other artists are encouraged to come forward. A variety of artistic styles are welcomed, including two-dimensional paintings, drawings, prints and textiles.

Artists need to provide at least four pieces of work, framed and ready to display, and the partnership will be pairing the work with local businesses which have also put themselves forward to be involved, with all artworks displayed to be for sale.

It is planned that the artists will then attend the premises where their work is displayed occasionally, to talk to the public about their work.

Mr Hepburn added: “The response from local businesses to date has been fantastic, with venues from cafes and shops, to the library, to Waterworld firmly backing the trail and keen to show the work. We look forward to receiving images of the artists’ work.”