This year’s Isle of Man Art Festival will place over the May Day bank holiday weekend, Friday May 4 to Monday May 6.

The annual three-day celebration of visual art is organised by the Creative Network, an artists’ co-operative with more than 60 members who share the aim of promoting art and artists on the island and beyond.

Formerly known as the Western Open Studio Art Trail (WOSAT), the festival will encompass open access to artists’ studios, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations across the island.

An informal festival launch and major exhibition preview event will take place at the Creative Network’s latest exhibition venue, The Laxey Glen, on Thursday, April 25 at 6pm.

The positive feedback from last year has meant that organisers expect numbers for this year’s festival to exceed the 2,500 visitors recorded in 2018.

More than 50 of the island’s artists will be taking part.

They include painters, illustrators, poets, sculptors, potters, jewellers, embroiderers, textile artists, print-makers and photographers.

Festival venues announced for 2019 so far include:

â?¢ East - Laxey Glen, the Hodgson Loom Gallery and Mother T’s , all in Laxey.

â?¢ South - The Old Police Station, the Engine House and Craftworks in Castletown, and Grenaby Studios;

â?¢ West - House of Manannan, Pilates Studio and Centenary Centre in Peel; Isle Contemporary, St John’s;

â?¢ North - Glen Mooar Cottage Retreat at Sulby Glen, The Courthouse in Ramsey, Ballajora Studio in Maughold.

Entrance to studios, demonstrations and exhibition venues will be free, as will the printed festival guides and Creative Network Artists directories.

These will be available three weeks before the Festival at The Laxey Glen, Noa Bakehouse in Douglas, the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, the House of Manannan in Peel and all major art galleries, as well as all venues during the event.

Visit creativenetwork.im or follow the Facebook page for festival updates.

The Isle of Man Art Festival is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Manx National Heritage, local authorities and partner galleries.