TALENTED artists from across Wiltshire will be exhibiting their work in an arts trail next weekend which will give the public the chance to visit them in their studios.

The Peacock Arts Trail – a biannual open studio and art exhibition event – is now in its second year and will be running for a full nine days from October 3-11.

Named after the peacocks that are a familiar sight to Corsham residents, the Peacock Trail covers Corsham, Chippenham, Biddestone, Box, Lacock, Yatton Keynall, Kington Langley, Foxham, Holt and surrounding villages.

Organisers have promised an eclectic range of art forms including exhibits from Corsham’s Celia Smith with her life-like wire bird sculptures, painter Chris Dunn and Calne’s Peter Berry.

Caroline Rudge who has Studio One at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham said: “Being a full time artist is a solitary activity and opening up my studio is a brilliant opportunity to 'step out from behind the easel' and share my thoughts, practice and techniques with a diverse and interesting audience. It's wonderful to engage new people with my work and of course to show off my fantastic studio space situated within Corsham's creative hub. To be part of a wide community of talented artists and makers is a real privilege.”

The trail has also been made child-friendly with a bundle of activities lined up to keep them occupied including an event at the Methuen Arms next Saturday (October 3) between 2-5pm where children will be able to help create a mural.

Printmaker Kathy Hutton will also be exhibiting her work throughout the trail – an experience she is hoping will inspire her future work.

She added: “An open studio gives people the opportunity to try something new, ask questions, learn about the process behind an art form and experience the artists working environment. All of these elements together bring a greater appreciation and understanding for original art.”

The Peacock Art Trail has been sponsored by Corsham Town Council and Hunter French Estate Agents and some of the work on display will be available to buy or commission directly from the artists.

For more information, visit www.peacockartstrail.co.uk.