Since the days of 19th century Paris and the informal gatherings of avant-garde intellectuals in the Montmartre district, artists have enjoyed opening their studios and sharing their practice.

Piano by David Debono.

Today, contemporary artist trails are gaining popularity across the world, and next weekend Malta hosts one of its own. Artists and designer-makers will welcome visitors inside a series of pop-up-studios to see the art they create and to hear about their ideas, materials and tools they use.

The Trail, an event organised by Allura – Malta Open Art Studios, takes place on November 3 and 4, when more than 50 artists will be throwing open doors, for free, at 20 venues across Sliema and St Julian’s. Visitors can pick up a map to guide them between the venues anywhere along The Trail.

This event is sponsored by Campari, whose founder worked with some of history’s most celebrated artists to create iconic posters.

“Gaspare Campari was an artist and we have always taken pride in our advertising, so we’re delighted to be supporting Allura – the Trail and this exciting new art venture,” said Campari brand executive Claudia Attard. During The Trail, Campari will also transform Badass Balluta into a projected gallery of famous Campari works of art.

“Allura offers a varied and engaging experience to visitors,” Culture minister Owen Bonnici said. And indeed, it does. Visitors are invited to ask questions to uncover artists’ inspiration and the secrets of their creative processes, or just enjoy the art on show. From animal sculpture by Amelia St George, which captures the personalities of individual animals with careful composition and a joyful freedom, to vibrant abstracts by Clare Lightfoot, using an ancient, soul-soothing method of hot wax painting, there is something to catch everyone’s attention and interest. At Portomaso Business Tower, David Debono’s compelling charcoal studies of people and faces are masterfully strong and expressive: with striking sepia tones, it is almost as if you are stepping back in time.

They intrigue the viewer and invite you to uncover their narrative. Here too, visitors can see a silversmith’s traditional tools in action as the JAD duo create contemporary jewellery in which unexpected surfaces and irregular edges reveal the true nature of metal and remind us of the way nature and humans have changed it over time

Elena Degenhardt with one of her marine-scapes.

Cavalieri Art Hotel will showcase magnificent marine-scapes by Elena Degenhardt – some are serene while others are powerful and turbulent, all boasting rich blue waves in which both water and light dance on the canvas.

These hang alongside quirky felt art created by an exceptional young talent, Kathleen Flask. Visitors can also step into the virtual world to explore the art of video-game design and virtual reality – in St Patrick’s Church visitors can enjoy Once Upon A Time, a multi-disciplinary storytelling project devised and created by artists and the children of St Patrick’s School with the support of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.  Already commended for innovation and social impact, The Trail invites all ages to get involved in art activities, whether that’s with a paintbrush or potter’s wheel, posing for professional portrait photographer or creating tasty, edible artwork using innovative technology.

The Azure Window by Keith Ellul.