Art trail takes centre stage in restaurants, bars and cafes (From Warrington Guardian)

Art trail takes centre stage in restaurants, bars and cafes

12:00pm Monday 15th October 2012 in News

RESIDENTS can enjoy art while they have a quiet pint, a meal for two or sat sipping a coffee thanks to an art trail in the town’s restaurants, bars and cafes.

Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival 2012 has placed artists’ work in venues around the town so customers do not have to go far for a taste of culture.

Old Hall artist Hannah MacDonald, whose work is being displayed in Eden, Springfield Street, said: “It’s a great idea as it makes art more accessible.

“Some people can find going into an art gallery intimidating but putting it in a bar or restaurant means everyone can enjoy it.”

The 28-year-old’s art involves cutting butterfly shapes from books and sheet music which has meaning to her including pages from her favourite poem William Wordsworth’s Daffodils.

Professional artist Jane Chinea, from High Legh, left her job working with deprived children to pursue a career in art and has been enjoying hearing comments from customers at Rhode Island coffee shop in the town centre.

The 46-year-old said: “A lot of people commented as I was putting the work up it was unusual and asking how I did it.

“It’s about hybridism and seeing something different when you look a second time.

“The art trail is a great thing for Warrington as culturally other areas are developing and the town needed this input.”

Keith Walsh, from Longbarn, got involved after following the arts festival on Twitter and Facebook and submitted two pieces which are being shown in The Cotton Mill, off Barbauld Street.

The 36-year-old dad to Molly, aged two, said: “My work always used to be black and white but then when I saw my daughter using her crayons I started using colour.

“Seeing the work on the wall, I do think it fits in well and I’m looking forward to taking photos and telling other people about them. ”