Budding young artists are being invited to put their creative talents to work this May, with the chance for their designs to be displayed above Shrewsbury High Street all summer long.

Two free drop-in workshops, organised by Shrewsbury Arts Trail and supported by Shrewsbury BID and Shrewsbury Town Council, will offer children the opportunity to create vibrant, flower-themed artworks inspired by the gardens and blooms of Shropshire.

Taking inspiration from Henri Matisse’s famous cut-out collages, the sessions will encourage children to explore colour, shape, and mark-making using a range of materials and stencils. 

The workshops will take place on: Saturday 3 May, 10am–3pm, at Shrewsbury Library; and Saturday 10 May, 10am–3pm, at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.

The project offers an exciting reward: twenty-five children’s artworks will be selected to be transformed into this year’s bright and beautiful Town Flags, which dress Shrewsbury’s historic town centre throughout the summer. The judging panel selecting the artworks will include Jess Richards, Shrewsbury Arts Trail’s Founder and Organiser; EJ Hopson-VandenBos, Shrewsbury BID;  Max Ball,  Shrewsbury Town Council; and a local business owner.

One overall winner will also receive an art kit containing a set of high-quality materials to inspire their next masterpiece.

The sessions, run by Claire Scarlett are free to attend and open to all children (suggested ages 6-11), accompanied by an adult. No booking is required – simply drop in and get creative.

This initiative is part of Shrewsbury Arts Trail 2025, the town’s popular annual celebration of art and culture, supported by Shrewsbury BID through a UKSPF Work in Shrewsbury Grant, and Shrewsbury Town Council.

The Arts Trail is now in its fifth year, with a mission to bring unique and high-quality contemporary art to be enjoyed by the public for free. It celebrates Shrewsbury’s vibrant arts community and boosts the reputation of our town as an exciting and welcoming cultural destination.

In previous years Shrewsbury Arts Trail has enjoyed major national and international media coverage for it's innovative exhibitions, artists showcases and unique collaborations. The trail is celebrated for renowned and emerging artists, thought provoking installations and commitment to bringing high quality art to Shrewsbury.

For more information, visit: shrewsburyartstrail.com