Hats Off to Lyme Regis Traders
Despite tough economic times and high street changes, Lyme Regis traders were determined to buck the trend by fully getting behind last month's ArtsFest.
Over 100 took part in the Art Trail, a key feature of ArtsFest, by displaying local artwork in their windows and interiors. ArtsFest organisers judged it easily the best yet in the Trail's five-year history.
Art Trail co-ordinator Sylvia Stride and her team were bowled over by the special efforts made by a number of shops in creating special displays which highlighted the artwork alongside the shops' normal merchandise. "Without a doubt the most striking display was at the Town Mill Bakery," says Sylvia. "They actually built special shelves above their counter to feature the amazing paper hats made by Annie Ward as a tribute to women writers like Agatha Christie, Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter. It created a delightful exhibition, a real treat for their customers."
"But there were other shops," she adds, "that went the extra distance to make their window displays integrate their featured artists like A Touch of Vintage did for Ronnie Creswell and Onni Design for Elizabeth Richie.
In some cases, the artist even worked with the shop owner to create new work to an agreed theme, like Jeannie Kar's cockerels for House of Flowers."
"All in all," she concludes, "the ArtsFest artists are keen to express their thanks to the traders for their friendly welcome as well as for the doubling of their sponsorship of the ArtsFest brochure. Such generosity is proof that community spirit is alive and well in Lyme Regis."
For information about the Art Trail and ArtsFest 2013 (21-29 September), please contact info@lymeregisartsfest.com.
Karol Kulik, www.lymeregisartsfest.com
Published on 09/10/2012.
