Asian Adventures
An illustrated talk by Paul Carpenter
Paul has travelled the world visiting tropical forests to photograph and film the insects, spiders and other fascinating fauna. This talk takes us to Asia and includes some of his travels through India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Sulawesi. He spent time in Sulawesi searching for Lampropelma carpenteri, a tarantula named after him. His field trip to Cambodia investigated why people eat tarantulas and the impact it is having on those creatures. Paul has just returned from a 3 week field trip to Sri Lanka so he will be sharing some of those fresh experiences with us too. Do join us for fascinating evening of travel, nature and culture. DOORS OPEN 7pm.
Programme:
- 7pm: Access to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
- 7.30pm: Finger buffet
- 8.10pm: Talk
- 9.15pm: Finish
Tickets £13. Book here
We have our amazing Mini Craft Market where our talented local crafters can get together to share and sell their handmade products.
Previous crafts have included: nature crafts, paper crafts, woodwork, paintings, illustration, crochet/knitting, weaving, decoupage, cards, glass, silk painting, textile bags, jewellery, resin art and flood painting.
Held in the Education Centre and is free to enter!
10am – 4:30pm (3:45pm for December Market)
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
Join artist Jamie Boots for a two-day exploration into the nuanced world of graphite pencil art. This workshop delves beyond basic sketching, offering insights into the subtle techniques that breathe life into your creations. Participants will discover the art of manipulating pencil sharpness, pressure and tones to convey the fine details such as skin textures and expressive eyes.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session.
Course details:
This is a linoprinting course using two to three colours, with a simple reduction method. Students will learn how to use tools safely, simple registration techniques, how to ink the plate correctly, and how to print by hand.
Materials and additional costs:
£5.50 to be paid to tutor in cash, for materials
Please bring sketches/reference photos for inspiration – think bold, graphic shapes rather than small detailed images.
Suitability:
Beginners and improvers
Spaces:
12
Price: £62 / £79
Course details:
I would like to bring the magic of bookbinding at Nature in Art and be inspired by its beautiful surroundings.
We will be creating a Coptic style binding; with our own designed cover.
I will guide individuals through the process of making a book from scratch. The gathering of the materials, the decoration of the book covers, the folding of the papers, the sewing of the sections, will be a lovely way to relax and build a book with its very own identity.
Individuals will leave the workshop with a gorgeous book that they can keep for themselves or gift to someone special.
Materials and additional costs:
Equipment supplied by tutor for £12 (cash)
Suitability:
Suitable for all
Spaces:
10
Price: £62 / £79
A special event to coincide with Sacred Earth: Water, Tree, Stone, on show March 31st – May 10th.
This evening is a great opportunity to view the new exhibition ‘Sacred Earth’ in the company of the artist Fiona McIntyre, and to hear from two of the contributors. DOORS OPEN 6.30pm.
Programme:
- 6.30pm: Meet the artist Fiona McIntyre and view the exhibition
- 7.30pm light snacks
- 8.10pm: Short talks by Fiona McIntyre, Nicola Moorby, Curator of Historic British Art, 1790 – 1850 at Tate Britain and Christiana Payne, Professor Emerita of History of Art at Oxford Brookes University
DONATION ON THE NIGHT. Please book your place in advance here
Course details:
On this one-day course, you will make plant climbers, plant supports, trellises and decorative Garden Hurdles, all out of willow and hazel grown in Somerset and Gloucestershire.
Helen will guide you through each stage of the process, whilst introducing you to the different varieties of willow/hazel which you can use to make your creations unique.
By the end of the day you should have been able to make 3-4 items to take home to put in the garden.
Materials and additional costs:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £12, to be paid to the tutor on the day of the course. (Please try and bring the exact change)
Suitability:
Beginners – Improvers
Spaces:
12
Price: £62 / £79
Natural Materials Into Paints & Inks – with Fiona McIntyre ARE
Fiona McIntyre is an experienced tutor and artist working with mineral pigments and foraged plants. On this two day course she will guide you in the transformation of natural materials from the Earth into exquisite naturally harmonious inks and watercolours.
DAY 1
Processing and cooking plant material from trees and flowers into the three primaries plus brown and black. This is very hands on so you are advised to wear an apron and bring your favourite brushes to try the inks at the end of the day. Some tiny sample bottles will be provided to take home.
DAY 2
Fiona will talk you through some of the raw materials she forages from river beds, and the processes involved in making paint on a glass slab. You will make your own watercolour paint from pigments, and have an opportunity to try them out on paper towards the end of the day. You can also take some samples home in tiny shells or pans.
Materials and additional costs:
All materials including paper and gloves are provided.
Spaces:
12
Price: £124 / £158
Plant Sale!
On Saturday 9th May we will be hosting a plant sale in our garden to raise money for Nature in Art.
It will be open from 10am until the plants run out, so come early and get some great deals! The plants for sale will have been donated by many lovely visitors and volunteers.
Donations: If you would be keen to donate some plants to the plant sale, we will be accepting donations from Tuesday 5th May – Friday 8th May (10am – 5pm). They can be brought to the shop or Education Centre. Please accurately label your plants when donating. Thank you.
Course details:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of impressionist style landscape painting over this two-day acrylic course. Guided by Jonathan, you’ll explore the expressive brushwork, luminous colour, and atmospheric effects that define the impressionist style. Through structured demonstrations and practical exercises, participants will learn to capture light, movement, and mood while working from photographs. Beginners and improvers are welcome, with all techniques explained step by step. At the end of the course, you’ll have created your own impressionist landscapes, gaining confidence and inspiration for future painting.
Materials and additional costs:
Supplied by tutor for £45 cash
Or email for materials list
Suitability:
Absolute beginners – improvers
Spaces:
12
Price: £124 / £158