Discover: Eggsplore, a free ceramic sculpture trail led by York ceramic artist Sarah Schiewe, is set to brighten shops and businesses across Haxby and York during the Easter holidays.
Launching on Saturday, March 28, and running until Sunday, April 12, the project invites families to explore their high streets through handcrafted ceramic artworks, each telling the story of the independent businesses that host them.
Ms Schiewe said: “I love creating art that tells personal stories while bringing communities together and sparking joy for all ages.
“This project celebrates our brilliant independent businesses, helping them connect with people in new and meaningful ways through handcrafted ceramic sculptures that invite curiosity and play with the ambition for Discover: Eggsplore to become a much-loved annual fixture in the city.”
Ms Schiewe has teamed up with Emily Pickard of York Mumbler to bring the project to life.
The trail is designed to encourage people to explore, discover hidden artworks, and reconnect with their high streets.
The project is funded by the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund, supported by York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith.
Mr Skaith said: “High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities.
“That’s why I’m backing community-led projects across York and North Yorkshire.
“Like Eggsplore in York and Haxby, which will provide a free public art trail and family event to showcase local businesses and celebrate York’s hidden high streets.
“Residents and businesses understand most what is needed in their communities, and I am proud to be backing their plans with my Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.”
Alongside the trail, a free Easter Community Day will be held at Haxby Memorial Hall on Friday, April 3, from 11am to 3pm.
The event will include clay sculpting, games, face painting, a tombola and a youth market featuring young makers.
A ceramic egg hunt will also take place in Haxby from 12pm to 2pm, with more than 100 ceramic eggs hidden in independent businesses.
Those who complete the Haxby or York trails will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury local hamper and the chance to commission a bespoke ceramic sculpture.
The Haxby trail supports Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association, while the York trail raises funds for Door 84 Youth and Community Centre.
For anyone unable to take part in person, an online video version of the trail will feature behind-the-scenes content and interviews with artists and businesses, and some sculptures will visit care homes in Haxby to share the experience with residents.
At the end of the project, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds.