A NEW initiative between the Leigh Art Trail and train company c2c, is to see both Leigh and Chalkwell railway stations come alive with art exhibitions next month.
Thousands of train passengers will see displays and "artistic makeovers" given by Leigh Art Trail artists - including renowned street artist Scotty B - in platforms and waiting rooms, on the theme of rail travel.
LAT organisers say the sight is "bound to brighten the journey of even the weariest commuter".
Scotty, who is promising a blaze of colour and imagery on Platform 3 at Leigh, said: “This work explores movement of people, but the paintings are as much about how our minds respond to that as they are about the physical movement of our bodies.
“I wanted to capture how our thoughts roam while we speed through towns, tunnels and turf. It’s electric daydreaming at 117mph.”
The waiting room on Platform 1 at Leigh is being taken over for the Art Trail by the Seven Collective, whose 'Installation on the Station' will take visitors on "thought-provoking journeys inspired by a vintage train timetable".
“The concept is how a single starting point can develop and lead to seven unique and unexpected destinations,” said group member Nicola Watts. “We are all about the creative journey, using tried and sometimes untested techniques to aid artistic exploration.”
A mile or so down the line, another group show is coming to the platforms and waiting room at Chalkwell Station.
TOMA, a collective of 17 artists including Richard Baxter - the driving force behind the very first Leigh Art Trail in 1997 - hope to make passengers pause for thought with a series of “interventions, punctuations and opportunities”.
Emma Edmondson, who launched the TOMA study programme for artists two years ago at the Metal Art School in Chalkwell Hall, Chalkwell, said: “We’re looking forward to animating Chalkwell Station with print, installation, sound, video and performance.”
The station transformation continues for the full week of the Leigh Art Trail, starting on Saturday June 9.
Visitors will be able to view the work even if they are not travelling by train.
Special 10p platform tickets are being made available as c2c embraces its new artistic link-up.
A spokeswoman for c2c said: “We feel very much part of the local community and to be incorporated in the Leigh Art Trail is a huge honour. We hope our visitors are as excited as we are about seeing our stations as temporary art galleries.”
Leigh Art Trail organiser Wendy Scotland added: “I’m so thrilled that c2c have come on board this year. It really gives the Trail another dimension.
“The whole event is going to be spectacular and I can’t wait to see our visitors wowed by the incredible art being produced right on their doorstep.”
The Leigh Art Trail celebrates its 21st year in 2018, showcasing the work of more than 60 artists in local shops, cafes and businesses from June 9-16.
For more information visit leigharttrail.com
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