The Esperance Art Trail was successfully launched on the 30th September 2007 to an appreciative and excited audience of special guests and artists of Esperance.
The Esperance Bay Yacht Club’s sweeping panoramic views of the bay, the smell of baking bread in the air and various artwork displayed around the room welcomed over 40 guests to the continental breakfast and launch of the Art Trail. Guests were treated to freshly plunged coffee, delicious muffins straight from the oven, sweet and juicy fruit platters and freshly baked rolls with cheeses and hams. 
Once the guests were replete the official proceedings got underway with Esperance Community Arts administrator Mary Rogers introducing the Esperance Art Trail’s origins and why it came about. Ms. Rogers spoke on how Esperance artists were numerous, varied and under utilised in our isolated region and this was what the Art trail was designed to address. Getting visitors and tourists to the region to stay another day and experience the Art Trail taking home some wonderful art and great memories.
Special guest Thuriyya Ibrahim, Chairperson of Esperance Community Arts spoke about the future of the organisation and how everyone involved is working towards developing a community arts programs with local artists, supporting their skills and helping to develop interest in the arts for a healthy and positive community for the future.
Chris Bennett, General Manager of Country Arts WA came to Esperance for the first time with his wife Andie to officially launch the Art Trail. Mr. Bennett said he had always wanted to visit Esperance so this was the perfect opportunity.
“The Art Trail is a great way for visitors to see another important part of Esperance. The beaches are fantastic and the national parks world class, but it is the artists of Esperance who also need to be showcased. Esperance has a huge resource here on its doorstep and it just needed a project like the Art Trail to get the artists out there’.

Dot’s Studio

There are two things Dot Franklin is passionate about; one is porcelain painting and the other is her two Pomeranians, Tilly and Maggie-May.

Dot has been teaching porcelain painting for 4 years and holds weekly classes at her studio in Esperance as well as having a selection of works for sale.

Arriving in Australia from South Shields, England in 1964 with 3 young children Dot found that her love of art that had been fostered throughout her schooling had to be put aside to care for her family. But once her three children, now grown into very successful adults, were well on their own way in life she again took up painting.

‘I loved portrait painting when I was at school and I visited all the galleries in England and even travelling to France to see the Louvre, but now I mostly enjoy painting animals and teaching.’

‘I tried ceramics painting when I took up painting again but found I enjoyed the finer artform of porcelain and became interested enough to have a go when I moved to Esperance in 1988.'