Route 3 Art Trail visits 20 sites Saturday

Erika Rydberg-Hall of the Concord Maker Space coordinates the 2026 Route 3 Art Trail, which opens to the public on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event operates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. across 20 locations in four communities.

Rydberg-Hall describes the trail as a network of creative spaces that functions as a driving experience. Visitors may stop at any of the 20 sites to observe artist demonstrations or participate in hands-on activities. The stops stretch from Concord to Franklin, with four or five sites located in each community.

Participants who visit five different stops become eligible to enter a raffle. Rydberg-Hall said attendees can choose a specific community or select sites based on personal interest. The goal is to celebrate the creative economy in the region.

The activities range from expert crafting skills to interactive workshops. At the Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery in Concord, visitors will write postcards to people they are grateful for. The gallery will also use these postcards to create an exhibit. Carol Ellis at Laborata Gallery in Penacook will perform metalworking demonstrations. Ben Braggins, who often works at the Makerspace, will make jewelry while speaking with guests.

The trail also features artistic forms that do not fit traditional labels. Heidi Pauer at Penumbra in Concord will practice intuitive poetry. She will interact with visitors and write a poem based on that interaction. Rydberg-Hall noted that this provides a unique opportunity for engagement.

Another objective is to inspire visitors to pursue their own creative interests. Many partner spaces, such as the Kimball Jenkins Estate and School of Art in Concord, also function as teaching locations. Rydberg-Hall said that after the event, people can return to these places to learn new skills. She emphasized that knowing these resources exist in the community encourages residents to try new things.

The 20 sites include the Concord Makerspace, The Art Porch Gallery, and Gadzooks Glass in Boscawen. In Penacook, stops include Jo Shields’ Studio, The Wild Bean, and Sweet Dreamz and Fox Hardware. Franklin locations feature the Franklin Public Library, Analog Coffee, and The Waterhorse Irish Pub. Full details and a map are available at route3arttrail.com.