The Henley Arts Trail will celebrate its 20th anniversary this spring, marking two decades of connecting artists with audiences across Henley and the surrounding villages.
Taking place from 02 to 04 May 2026, the event has grown from a small local initiative into a key cultural fixture in the region.
Founded in 2006 by Judith Fletcher, Kate Findlay and Kirsten Jones, the trail began with just 16 venues and a simple idea: to invite visitors into artists’ home studios. Twenty years on, the event now spans 36 locations, including The River House at Greenlands, Leander Club, Oakengrove Vineyard and Grey’s Court.
The trail continues to offer visitors a unique opportunity to meet artists in their own creative spaces, gaining insight into the processes behind the work on display. Speaking about the appeal of the event, founder Kate Findlay said:
“For the exhibitors, it’s a chance to build relationships with their customers, while visitors tell us that the pieces they buy directly from us have even more meaning.
“Knowing who has created them, and how they were made gives another dimension to the artwork. It’s so much more of an experience than buying art in an impersonal gallery. It brings the creative process alive and, with no entry fees, makes art accessible to everyone.”
Inclusivity has remained central to the trail’s ethos, welcoming artists at all stages of their careers, from internationally recognised names to those exhibiting for the first time. Over the years, the event has served as a launchpad for many emerging creatives.
Jewellery designer Wendy Penrose, who first opened her studio to visitors in 2008 and now chairs the organising committee, highlighted the long-term impact of the event. She said:
“The trail has allowed me to build strong relationships with customers over the decades. They have seen me develop and their feedback has helped steer my designs. I’ve become the family jeweller for many and am regularly asked to create meaningful pieces to mark important milestones.”
The trail also continues to nurture future talent. In 2024, organisers introduced the Art Spark competition to encourage young artists to showcase their work, offering prizes including one-to-one masterclasses, art materials and exhibition opportunities. This year’s winners include Amy Smith and Sofia Fuster.
Run as a not-for-profit organisation by artists for artists, the Henley Arts Trail remains focused on making participation accessible while strengthening connections between creatives and the local community.
