About the Shoreline ArtsTrail 2011

The Shoreline ArtsTrail was initiated in 2002 by a small group of artists and artisans in the Connecticut shoreline towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison. Their intent was to create an annual Open Studios event as a showcase to allow local residents and weekend visitors to interact with the artists and to experience the creative process first-hand. The seeds were planted and began to grow.

Three years later, grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and from the three towns dramatically accelerated this burgeoning venture. The number of artists almost doubled; the media represented followed suit. With the invaluable support of the Guilford Art Center, the vigorous group of Open Studio artists morphed into a year-long Shoreline ArtsTrail. The combined efforts of all parties led to the ArtsTrail receiving the Compass Award for Excellence in Partnership in 2007 from the Greater New Haven Visitors' Bureau. The collaboration of artists, the Arts Center, and the tourism committees of the three towns was recognized as a powerful force for stimulating tourism on the Shoreline.

Now in its tenth year, the ArtsTrail and its Open Studio Weekend is better than ever. Armed with one of the thousands of maps distributed throughout Connecticut and its neighboring states, visitors get an intimate view of the artists in their natural habitat. Visitors are able to get a real feel for the artists and their work. One-on-one explanations illuminate the how's and why's that go into the design and development of each piece. The processes that artists use to transform raw materials into finished works of art are as different as they are special. No matter what the medium -- wood, glass, precious metal, paint, fiber, ceramics, stone, photography, or steel -- all require focus, an extended time frame, and skilled hands. Open Studios Weekend provides an opportunity to learn the "art" in each art form. What could be better than combining education, refreshments, and an unparalleled, early holiday shopping experience? Many visitors take the opportunity to initiate discussions of special projects or commissions that they have dreamed about.

Membership Information

Criteria for membership in the Shoreline ArtsTrail as an artist include an application, a resume, and the submission of three examples of an artist's work to a panel of artist/jurors. The artist must reflect mastery of methods and materials and an originality of concept. All work must be handmade in his/her studio in Branford, Guilford, or Madison. Whether the artist has regular studio hours or is open by appointment only, each member must participate in the Open Studio Weekend in mid-November.

Membership also requires that each artist assume a portion of the responsibilities for this collaborative endeavor. In addition to the annual dues that fund the production of the map/brochure and hosting of special events, each artist is expected to provide some "sweat equity" in the accomplishment of ArtsTrail goals and objectives.

For details, or to receive an application, please contact the Guilford Art Center, info@guilfordartcenter.org, 203-453-5947, or artist member Martha Link Walsh at 203-481-3505.