SOME of the best artists in north Wiltshire will be exhibiting their work as part of an arts and crafts trail later this month.

The Flying Monk Arts and Craft Trail, formerly known as the Malmesbury Arts and Craft Trail, is taking place on the last weekend in September.

Sixteen venues will be showcasing the work of 30 artists and craftspeople, including paintings, prints, pottery, textiles and jewellery.

The event has been organised by ceramicist and potter Kim Langley, who owns Roki Pottery.

She started the trail to offer local artists an outlet for their work.

“There are a lot of professional arts and crafts artists locally and, as other towns have events like these, I felt we needed one as well,” she said.

“People have limited outlets locally, so it’s a nice way for everyone to find out about places they can go and buy artwork.

“People need things like this, and they really enjoy it.”

The trail was limited to venues in Malmesbury last year, however, due to increased interested, it will reach out to surrounding areas like Sherston, Pinkney and Easton Grey, among others, this year.

“It’s growing in numbers,” continued Kim. “We’re getting a lot more of the art and crafts community getting involved.

“There is a depth of creativity in the community, and I hope maybe some people will be inspired to get involved in developing their own creativity.”

Unlike many similar ‘open studio’ events such as this, artists will be able to keep all of the money they make from selling their work.

“My philosophy about open studios is that they’re about the artist making money from their work,” said Kim.

One of the artists featuring in the trail this year, Claire Baker, is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase her art.

“I am really pleased to be joining my fellow artisans this year in my home town,”

“We moved here two years ago and I have been astounded by the wealth of artistic talent here.

“It will be a great weekend for people to visit artists working in their studios in and around Malmesbury.

“It is always a great pleasure as an artist to meet your customers face to face and discuss how and where you produce your work.

“In a time where everything is mass produced it is a brilliant opportunity to support local artisans, buying locally and buying British handmade work, or simply enjoying the trail gaining knowledge about the huge variety of local artisans working within your community.”

The event will be supporting the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, with collection buckets placed around the various venues for people to donate.

The trail takes place on the weekend of September 24-25.

Opening times for most of the venues are 10am-5.30pm both days, but some times do vary.

For more information, visit flyingmonkartstrail.co.uk, or get a leaflet on the event from Sherston Post Office Stores and the Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre.