Could this year's Henley Arts Trail be the best one yet? Absolutely! Offering free entry to 39 venues showcasing the work of around 200 artists over two weekends in July, HAT presents the perfect opportunity to get out and about, explore a beautiful area and combine art with conversation - maybe even some shopping. The dates for HAT 2021 are 10-11 and 17-18 July. A few venues are only open on one of the weekends so do check online and plan your route in advance. HAT has gone from strength to strength since it began 15 years ago. We speak to four of the artists, some involved since the start and others new to the trail.As one of the three founder members, Kirsten Jones talks about the early years planned largely around her kitchen table and a bottle of wine! She explains HAT's origins and the thinking behind its pink branding. Kirsten's paintings invoke a sense of place and history through the use of a colour palette inspired by water and light, and collage items including pieces of vintage maps. Find Kirsten's work with Love Local Art, venue no. 13, the Chocolate Cafe in Henley. (Open 10-18 July.)Chris Harper is a member of the current organising committee. He describes changing the way HAT is promoted these days to an online focus, no longer reliant on the widespread circulation of a printed leaflet. Their social media presence has seen a steady stream of highly visual posts showcasing the work of particular artists, often grouped according to a theme. Chris and several other artists can be found at venue 39 on the trail, Micklems Farm in Knowl Hill - a beautiful venue with stunning gardens also offering teas. (Open 10-11 and 12 July.)Nicole Etienne is a recent arrival to the area but as an artist inspired by the meeting of skies and water, particularly at dawn and dusk, she has found it a joy to paint in the kitchen of her riverside home. (Ben is stunned to discover a connection with a famous drag entertainer!) Nicole describes her style of painting as opulent and almost sculptural, combining thickly applied paints with metallic elements and crushed glass. She is exhibiting no less than 25 paintings at venue 20, Pool House Cottage in Mill Lane, Henley. (Open 10-11 and 17-18 July.) New to the trail this year, Vanessa Beresford is a stained glass artist based in Twyford. As well as exhibiting her work she is running workshops on the second weekend for a maximum of 3 people per session. These offer beginners the opportunity to have a go themselves, from cutting glass pieces, then copper foiling them in the Tiffany style, to adding a hook in order to hang their finished item to catch the light. Vanessa will be at venue 33, Twyford Glass Studio in Hermitage Drive. (Open 10-11 and 17-18 July.)Visit www.henleyartstrail.com for a trail map and information about the venues, facilities, dates and timings.Follow @henleyartstrail on Facebook or Instagram for more detailed information and news about the art
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