AN exciting new artistic road trip comes to Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and Cheddar over the next two weeks, courtesy of the National Gallery and local consortium, Seed.

The Art Road Trip mobile creative studio will pop up at various locations offering free, fun and family-friendly workshops for all ages. 

The free event will run from Thursday, September 26 until Monday, October 7. It will see the mobile creative studio opened to the public, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore famous National Gallery artworks in new and imaginative ways.

Workshops include Awe and Wonder, exploring landscapes using texture and light; and Creating Your World, offering an experimentation with globe-making and collaborative installations. 

Elisha Kenworth from the National Gallery said: "We’re thrilled to be coming to Bridgwater and excited to offer something for everyone in this dynamic community. From insightful talks to hands-on art workshops, our events are designed to engage and inspire.

"Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a curious beginner, or just looking for a creative outing with family, there’s an opportunity for you to explore, learn, and ignite your imagination. We can’t wait to spark new ideas and artistic passions with all of you!"

Accompanying the visit, local consortium, Seed, will be transforming their creative popup space in Angel Place Shopping Centre Bridgwater into a Victorian styled ‘Picture Salon’ featuring incredibly high-quality reproductions of masterworks from the National Gallery.  

Scott O’Hara, Director of Seed commented: “The visit of the National Gallery as part of their 200th anniversary, and their kind provision of these reproductions gives us a unique opportunity to create chance encounters with great art.

"We encourage people who might have taken the images for granted, or have maybe never really looked closely at, or thought about these classic paintings and what they might mean or represent to take a moment to look, and to find out more.”

The Art Road Trip Van will be situated at the Cornhill in Bridgwater between 10am and 4pm on September 26, 28, and 30; and on October 3, 5, and 7. An intriguing Victorian-style Picture Salon will run concurrently at Angel Place Shopping Centre, with an Educational Talk taking place at the Seed Creative Pop-Up Shop (also at Angel Place) from 12.30am to 1pm. 

On September 29, the Art Road Trip studio van will be at Burnham-on-Sea's South Esplanade from 10am to 4pm. The following Sunday, September 6, will see the studio van stationed at Cheddar Gorge and Caves Car Park, near the Lippiat, between 10am to 4pm. 

To find out more information about the free events, go to: www.facebook.com/Seedsedgemoor/