PAINTINGS, ceramics, bronzes and other art have gone on display at 24 pop-up art venues as Ilkley Art Trail gets underway.

Until Sunday, 45 professional artists are displaying their works at venues around the town.

Ilkley Town Hall has opened its doors to ten artists, and studios, homes and businesses are hosting other artists, who are on hand to explain their inspiration and techniques.

"We are really excited to have the art trail using the town hall for such an excellent community event," said Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Councillor Brian Mann.

"Let's hope this is the start of the town hall being used more creatively in the future."

Organiser, Sarah Thomas, added: “This year’s trail is proving more popular than ever, and responses from visitors to all the venues has been fantastic.

"This is the fourth art trail, the idea originally developed by Lorna Bird, and it continues to grow in strength. I am especially pleased we have a wonderful venue at Harrison Robinson in Ben Rhydding to show the work of the students from Ilkley Grammar School – artists to keep an eye on as future stars.”

Among the artists taking place is painter, Kerry Stoker.

She said: "Ilkley Art Trail is a fabulous showcase for me and all the artists and makers, whose industrious creativity can be an isolated existence.

"Meeting like-minded artists and a curious and appreciative public is always interesting and tremendous fun, and their feedback is invaluable. It all inspires me to work hard to show what I do and, hopefully, there will be some sales during the next few days for all.”

Artist Joy Godfrey, who enjoys talking to visitors at her studio in Back Nelson Lane, says she has recently noticed a renewed interest in 'one-off' pieces of art, such as works on handmade paper and oils on canvas.

Venues are open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Art lovers can pick up a flyer with a map of all the venues from shops around the town or download one from the trail's Ilkleyarttrail.co.uk website. Entry to all the venues is free.

There is also a Hide and Seek Trail, devised by artist Kathryn Fox and including thought-provoking works in nine shops and businesses to find and enjoy.

The trail will close with a special projection event called Talking Stone by artist Filippa Dobson at the Badger Stone on Ilkley Moor from 5.30pm to 7pm on Sunday. It will transform the Badger Stone into a mesmerizing light sculpture. There are still a few places available. E-mail sdfjd@leeds.ac.uk to book.

l See page 22 for details about an 'Edible Masterpieces' event being staged as part of the art trail