The Silverburn Art Trail is a project in development by the Creative Network. The trail will take in some of the cultural gems of the South of the Isle of Man, featuring a range of art works in eclectic styles, from street art in Castletown, to sculptural pieces in the countryside, and ephemeral pieces made from natural materials which will disappear over time. The trail will follow the first stretch of the Bayr Ny Skeddan (Herring Way) along the Silverburn river, diverting to take in the Steam Railway Stations along the way. From Castletown, the ancient capital, through Ballasalla and the historic sites of Rushen Abbey & Monks Bridge, and on to Silverdale Glen, where a rich industrial history lies just beneath the surface.
Creative Network member aritst & guests will develop site specific work, both temporary & permanent, to develop a dynamic outdoor art experience , adding to the story of our Island and it's history, culture & heritage.
Creative Network member aritst & guests will develop site specific work, both temporary & permanent, to develop a dynamic outdoor art experience , adding to the story of our Island and it's history, culture & heritage.
This trail is under development but already has many artworks of interest along its length - from murals in Castletown itself, through to sculptures at Rushen Abbey, the Lily Ponds and the railway station in Ballasalla. Art is being used to make an already great walk into a cultural experience.
2022 will see a concentrated effort by the Creative Network to further enhance the trail, involve the public and officially launch this innovative development.
2022 will see a concentrated effort by the Creative Network to further enhance the trail, involve the public and officially launch this innovative development.
work already on the trail:
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Take a walk around the streets around Market & Barracks Squares in Castletown, to discover a wealth of street art from artists such as Megan Hindley, James Duggan & Karolina Pawlowska, as well as community art work
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The Community Wallaby by network artist Eve Adams is also sighted along the trail. A gift from Hospice Isle of Man to the Castletown Community, Eve painted this sculpture in recognition of the town's fund raising efforts following the Wallabies one Wild sculpture trail
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Just across the road from the Wallaby, in Castletown's Poulsom Park, is some willow work, also by Eve Adams. The Park's Willow Heron seating area by the skate park is the perfect place to sit and pause for a moment, listening to the real herons nesting and swooping overhead.
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Ballasalla Railway station homes a beautiful glass mosaic mural produced in community workshops led by Network artist Debra Tracey-Carney
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Tucked away behind Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla is the Little Garden. Local woodcarver Gavin Carter produced a beautiful Oak sculpture on site, helped by an army of local primary school children. The Sculpture sits in the garden, and will soon be joined by more pieces to help claim this forgotten and overlooked space.
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Floating on the Islands at the Lily Ponds, in Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla, you'll find a triptych of stained glass and wooden sculptures by Network artist Jill Gillings. The pieces really add something special to this especially tranquil and peaceful site
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