THE hugely popular Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail is taking place from June 24-26. In addition to many of its long standing exhibitors, this year the creative trail welcomes potter, John Calver; landscape painter, Simon Donaldson; spinner, Kate Schofield, and wood worker, David Webb. The Guides will also be demonstrating The Art of Survival - one of many family activities throughout the weekend, and new Silverdale gallery, Vintage and Country, will show chalk painting.

Now in its 12th year, the much awaited event features 90 exhibitors spread across 37 venues, including seven key sites with eight smaller group venues and 28 workshops and demonstrations throughout the villages. Everyone from painters to potters, stone carvers to spinners, jewellers and woodworkers are represented in the trail.

Music is a developing side of the trail, which this year includes sing-songs with the Guides, a community concert, open-air music workshops and family entertainment.

The concert sees some familiar faces in the spotlight, including highly regarded violinist Wendy Cann, and distinguished musician and the author of an acclaimed book on the harpsichord, Ann Bond, as well as the Silverdale Choir, children from St John's Primary School, Silverdale, and the Songbirds trio.

The three-day feast of art runs from Friday, June 24, between 1pm-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, from 10.30am-5.30pm, with artists and artisans welcoming visitors into their homes, studios and exhibitions.

Key venues hosting the outstanding line-up of art are at Silverdale - the golf club, Silverdale Hotel, village institute, the Gaskell Hall, St John’s CE School, and Leeds Children’s Holiday Centre.

For Arnside - the WI hall, on Orchard Road, and the Educational Institute, at Church Hill.

Artists included are Peter Threfall, who paints mostly in acrylics. His subjects range from landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes and also figurative paintings of Cockle Pickers and Fishermen in The Bay.

Well-known abstract painter John Baldwin, who has worked in acrylic for the past 25 years, but recently started to work in oils, will be showing his vibrant works, and distinguished names such as Janice McGloine, Penny McLeod, Annie McNaughton, Julia Swarbrick, Delcia McNeil, will also star in the creative mix.

John's distinctive style is influenced by 1950s/60s American Abstract Expressionists, particularly Jasper Johns.

Also featured will be Jayne Lancaster, who specialises in drawings and illustrations detailing agricultural and rural wildlife, and textile artists taking part include members of the eminent Lancs and Lakes Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Priscilla Edwards - whose work describes the soft tones and textures of nostalgic imagery from a bygone era - and Audrey Mason and Tracey March will be showing modern and traditional upholstery as well as cushions and curtains. Work by silversmith Amanda Hunter will also be on display.

Meanwhile, designer maker Keith Shorrock show his wonderful works in wood and the impressive images of gifted young photographer William Baron make an appearance.

Jo Dix will be displaying her exquisite jewellery, Debbie Copley her much-lauded bird glass/sculptures, and Jan Huntley Peace will be showing her acclaimed Art to Wear, porcelain and prints.

And no SAAT would be complete without the work of award-winning, Arnside-based artist, Tracy Levine, whose contemporary landscape paintings and original prints are widely exhibited throughout the UK.

For further information visit www.silverdalearttrail.co.uk or contact the joint coordinator, Clare Martin via email on trail@silverdalearttrail.co.uk or telephone 01524-701271.