Blending geology with creativity, Jackie Garner’s contemporary art is thoroughly modern, yet echoes Earth’s most ancient forces. Her acrylic paintings are inspired by, and celebrate, the rich patterns and textures of minerals, rocks and fossils. Wildly colourful to subtly intricate, sometimes fanciful and often surprising, this exhibition encourages us to look afresh at the ground beneath our feet. Rethink your perceptions of the humble rock! Instead, revel in shards of texture, light and colour.
One of the very first showings of the winning and commended images from the very latest awards following its launch. 70 stunning photographs from around the world selected from over 23,000 entries, including ..
all the winning images
From Small Acorns
. January 7th – February 2nd
A selling display of 2D and 3D work by Elizabeth Gray.
Elizabeth Gray died in March 2022, two weeks before her 94th birthday. Originally a concert pianist, she was completely self taught as an artist and it was from the ‘small acorn’ of a natural skill that she developed her talent. Her work is held in public and private collection internationally and she was the first person to donate an item to Nature in Art’s collection. A uniquely creative person, her work over the years was as multi-faceted as that of any artist. In fact, so diverse were her influences and output, she used different names for different elements of her work – Elizabeth Gray, Ben Venuto and Emmie Gee. It is likely that many people had no idea that these different names were in fact the same person. For her, the diversity of her work was as natural as night and day, yet to many it is still hard to believe that her creations came from the same artistic soul.
The exhibition includes watercolour paintings, pastels, drawings, reduction lino cuts, mixed media work, ceramics, decoupage and more.
In her life-time, all the proceeds from her work were donated to charity, particularly relief work in the developing world (including the purchase of an aeroplane for medical relief work in Africa). In this case, 100% of the proceeds from sales will benefit Nature in Art Trust. Prices range from under £50 to £1000. We are most grateful to the family for making these works available to benefit the Trust.
Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration
February 4th – 13th
The Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration annual exhibition. Members include winners of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gold, Silver Gilt and Silver Medals.
Meet members every day. Some exhibits for sale.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
4th February – 6th April
Selected from 59,228 entries from 117 countries and territories, the winners of the Natural History Museum’s prestigious competition in its 60th year are all on show in this stunning exhibition of 100 images revealing the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights.
Inspired by Nature
February 15th – 23rd
A colourful selling display by five local artists from Junction 12 Art Group. It includes art, landscapes, figurative and abstract paintings, plus fused glass.
Meet artists each day.
Disappearing Woodlands – Disappearing Skills
April 8th – 27th
A sumptuous display by members of the Goldwork Guild showcasing varied techniques of hand and goldwork embroidery. The show aims to revive these endangered art forms to portray the intricacies of woodland nature.
The exhibition will feature the historic, traditional and modern interpretations of two and three-dimensional hand embroidery whilst embracing the use of modern textiles and textures. These together with the use of meticulously reproduced historical materials and techniques that have now been in decline for decades or even hundreds of years, will showcase the art form in the round.
See members demonstrating April 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th.
Same Sea, Different Boat
April 12th – 27th
See the power of craft as a force for good, helping us share stories, relieve stress and connect with one another. An open-ended project, over 600 printed and stitched squares, joined into panels, have produced a large community quilt.
£3 per child, adults go free. No need to book.
Buzz on over this Easter Monday for a hive of fun with arts and crafts, an exciting activity trail, bee-tastic learning, and a sneak peek at our observation beehive where you can see the bees hard at work inside the hive!
We’ve got two drop-in sessions: 10am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm. Join Laura, our artsy education officer, for a whirlwind of creative crafts! Plus, let your little explorers roam free on our activity trail around the garden. And don’t miss the chance to peek into our beehives and chat with our bee guru, Brian – recently returned from a trip to West Africa to teach people how to keep bees.
Need a bite to eat? Our Coffee Shop will be buzzing with tea and cake! Or, feel free to pack a lunch and chill in our outdoor picnic paradise.
*when paying for children, does not include entry to the museum galleries
Nature in Miniature: May 6th – June 8th
An exhibition of exquisite 2D and 3D works celebrating wildlife and nature in miniature by members of the Royal Miniature Society. Founded in 1896 the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers promotes and champions the genre of miniature art. This show will include close to 200 exhibits.
While the traditional subject matter of portraiture continues unabated, today’s Miniaturists incorporate a very broad range of subject matter, including landscapes, still life, marine and wildlife, as well as fresh and innovative styles and subjects.
So, what is a miniature? Whilst there is no definitive answer, a miniature can be described as a fine work of art with exquisite detail in a frame size no more than 15 x 11.5cm or under 20cm for sculpture. Eizabeth Meek MBE, who was the Society’s President from 2004 – 2013, described working as a Miniaturist as the most demanding of all painting genres, ‘Concentration, stillness of mind and body and a dogged perseverance for perfection — the perfect miniature needs to be devoid of errors.’
The Society’s 130-year legacy still endures with over 90 of its members and non-members contributing to its activities.
See an RMS member at work on 24th May and see miniaturist sculptor, Philip Nelson, at work 3rd – 8th June.