SHOPS, pubs and businesses will double as galleries as the third annual Wanstead Art Trail launches on September 15.

The two week event will showcase work by 200 artists across 75 venues including butchers, greengrocers and several pubs.

The trail begins with an open day at the United Reformed Church in Grosvenor Road on September 15 where budding artists can try their hand at portrait drawing and watch artists at work.

Olympic artist Teresa Witz, whose paintings of athletes including ‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius have been on display at Heathrow Airport throughout the Games, will be at the church.

Wanstead House Community Association, on The Green, Wanstead, will also have an open day showing work by classes and clubs that use the centre.

On September 16 there will be a chance to create pottery at The Corner House in Grove Park, where Leyton and Wanstead Flower club will also show their creative work.
 

And, until September 30, shoppers will be able to look at paintings as they do their weekly Wanstead shop as local artists' work is displayed across the area.

Art Trail organiser Donna Mizzi said: “It’s been a full-time job organising it, but I know it will be worth it.

“All the artists are delighted to have the opportunity to show their work in such unusual spaces and having so much art on display will have a really positive effect on the community.

“Last year it was so nice to see people stopping in shops and talking to each other, it really does bring people together, I can’t wait for it to start.”

Among the artists showing their work this year is founder member of the ‘Stuckism’ art movement Eamon Everall.

He said: "This is a real 'not to be missed' event.

“In my experience, this is one of the best art trails around due to its compactness, locality and the sensibilities of its participants."

For more information visit www.artgroupwanstead.com

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