MEMBERS of the public are being invited to create a new art trail at Broadleaf Park.

Two artist-led workshops will be held in February at the Rownhams Community Centre. 

The art trail, commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council using Section 106 money from the Broadleaf Park housing development, will consist of a collection of small-scale artworks that lead from the urban space into the natural environment. The idea is to encourage people to get outside and explore the greenspace around their homes. 

New Forest-based artist Nicola Henshaw has been commissioned to act as lead artist and Andover-based artist and poet Michael Johnson has been appointed into the mentee artist role, to nurture and develop new local talent. 

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A creative curiosity workshop will take place on Saturday February 10 at Rownhams Community Centre. Participants will be asked to share what they love about the area, as well as having a chance to explore fascinating local heritage, including the ancient, coppiced woodland, tanner’s brook and the remains of a Roman road.

Then on Tuesday February 13, there’s a creative story making workshop. Organised during half term, this workshop is focused at encouraging children to get involved in the process of creating and sharing stories. 

Cllr Terese Swain, portfolio holder for community and leisure, said: “As part of the process of creating the trail, the artists are very keen to hear from members of the local community so they can weave their ideas, memories and stories into the final trail. It would be great to see these workshops full of people so we can represent the diversity of different experiences and people who live in and around the area.”

Spaces for both workshops are limited – book by contacting Nicola on 07968063805 or email nicola@nicolahenshaw.co.uk.