Secret Swan Trail at Black Swan Arts Centre

Black Swan Arts Centre is presenting a  ‘Secret Swans’ Art Trail around the town to celebrate Black Swan’s 30th anniversary.  This free, fun event will be part of Frome Festival & Open Studios, running from 1st-10th July.  

The trail comprises 30 swan-themed artworks all in different media and styles.  Sculpture, drawing, painting, print, textiles, ceramics, light and other surprising forms will be on display at 30 venues around Frome, such as shops, cafes, public buildings and outdoor locations.

Internationally acclaimed Tessa Farmer (whose work features in many collections worldwide including Saatchi) returns to Frome with her unique and extraordinary work featuring tiny malevolent imps.

Just back from exhibiting in USA, sculptor Edgar Phillips will show his magnificent steel and glass wings, multi-award-winner Alicia Merrett’s astonishing quilt on the theme of The Sweet Swan of Avon will be displayed.

The Secret Swans Trail hopes to raise much needed funds, with sales being split between the artists and Black Swan. An opportunity for families, art lovers, school groups and adventurers to explore Frome, discover and buy intriguing collectable artworks.

Visitors can make secret auction bids for the work at each trail venue and winning bidders will be notified at the end of the festival.  Starting prices should suit all pockets ranging from £20 to £1,000s.  Trail leaflets – available from Black Swan and Frome library during the festival – will list artists and venues separately hence the element of secrecy. The challenge is to match the two.  Badges will be awarded to everyone who identifies all 30 artworks and there will be the opportunity to enter a prize draw at the Black Swan.  Venues include Rook Lane Chapel, Black Swan Arts, the riverbank by Cheese and Grain and Frome Museum.

Organiser Nick Weaver says, “It’s been wonderful to see the variety of interpretations of the swan theme and the quality of work by some great artists.  Visitors are in for a treat!”