The Coastal Open 2011 has now finished. If you are interested in displaying your work in The Coastal Open 2012 then please keep an eye on this page, details will be supplied in Spring 2012.
The Jaywick Martello Tower Coastal Open 2011
The Coastal Open is a celebration of local artists, giving a chance to display your talent in arts and crafts. It gives an opportunity to demonstrate what inspires you about your community, environment and heritage through your artwork. This is the second year of the Coastal Open. Last year was hailed a success with over 100 unique artworks exhibited from local artists. With artworks ranging from stunning prints on paper created from Jaywick Seaweed, intricate wood carvings, through to a creative knitted scene.
The Coastal Open is open now until 30th October 2011.
There are over 40 artists exhibiting artwork ranging from painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, music, 
handmade paper and even Jewellery made from sea glass.
Commissions East in partnership with firstsite and Jaywick Martello Tower, hosted a Professional Development Day in June for artists based in the East of England as part of a programme of events to accompany the launch of the final Fleet commission. As part of the Day, regionally-based artists from the East were given the opportunity to submit a proposal for a new work inspired by Jaywick Martello Tower which will be shown alongside other artists work as part of The Coastal Open. Regionally based artist Aaron Head from Bedford was selected from 12 submissions by ‘If the Invader Comes’ artists’ photographer Dan Dubowitz and choreographer Fearghus Ó Conchuir. Colchester based arts organisation firstsite have provided the selected artist with funding towards the materials for their new commission. This initiative forms part of firstsite’s Artists’ Support Programme, creating development opportunities for artists based in the East. His installation Green Green Grass of Home focus's on the resilience of coastal communities linking the Martello Tower and the plant life of the coast.
Jaywick Art and Heritage by Local Exhibitors Saving Seaside 
Communities.
This project started because of all the recent negative reports in the local papers when Jaywick was named the most deprived area in England. Local artist Perrie Leversidge wanted to raise the profile of Jaywick and prove that local people are not only talented but also come together for the purpose of promoting their much loved area. Perrie travelled Jaywick with a portable art studio and received a positive response.
“I visited every road in the the so called deprived area and discovered he most artistic area, meeting the most amazing people and listening to some amazing stories. The feelings of each person is depicted in each painting as an individual work but unite together as one painting, one Jaywick.” Perrie Leversidge
Some of the exhibiting artists will be conducing workshops and demonstrations on selected weekends, please see website for more details www.jaywickmartellotower.org
The Coastal Open is proud to be part of Essex Summer of Art. Essex Summer of Art is brought to you by firstsite in partnership with Essex County Council’s Arts Development and 2012 Legacy Teams, Visit Essex and participating District, Borough and Unitary Councils and the many and varied art trails of Essex.
Opening times
September, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm
October, Weekends only, 10.30am-3.30pm.
Admission:
Adults £1, Children free
Free Coastal Open Workshops
Workshops are free but the usual £1 entry fee for adults still apply
Come along and jam with local musician Alex Lovelock. Suitable for people of all musical skills.
The Coastal Open is proud to be part of Essex Summer of Arts, a county wide showcase of art trails and open studios.
Please download a 2011 ESOA brochure here.
If you are interested in exhibiting your work in the 2012 Coastal Open then please keep an eye on this page early 2012.