THE summer is Art Trail time in Ceredigion.

This year the trail will span four weeks, split between the north and south of the county and its borders.

Thirty arts venues will open to the public in the south from 30 July to 14 August, a mix of individual artists’ studios and group exhibitions – all for free. The north trail will follow, from 13 to 29 August.

One exhibition, put together specially for the trail for the second year running, is by Grwp Fforest in Adpar on the edge of Newcastle Emlyn. Here five west Wales artists offer a variety of art; paintings, portraits, photography, jewellery, sculptures and more.

The host, landscape artist Andrew Francis, said: “At Fforest you can see a range of work by some of the best west Wales artists and have the chance to talk to them about their work.

“We’re handy for visiting other venues in the area like the Makers’s Mark, The Square Pegs and Diane Mathias. Helen Elliott’s studio is also in Newcastle Emlyn, where there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and independent shops. There’s also the ruined castle with its beautiful riverside walk and picnic area.”

Andrew is joined again this year by Julie Davis, portrait painter from Pencader, Tez Marsden, photographer from Brynberian and Boncath painter Peter Rossiter. Emyr Jones, a rustic woodworker from Newport, has joined the group for the first time.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow