Artist in Residence
Kim Thompson is both a wildlife artist and illustrator. She trained at Dyfed College of Art in West Wales and has always been inspired by the natural world.
She primarily works in oils acrylics and pencils, creating unique and vibrant works with realistic detail.
Artist in Residence
Josie Brown is a calligrapher and heraldic artist, who has carried out carrying out commissions for the private, academic and military sectors.
She enjoys taking natural materials together with ancient techniques and using them in a contemporary manner.
Artist in Residence
Liz Brooke Ward is a stitched textile artist whose work is inspired by the natural world and the landscape. Though she specialises in traditional techniques of embroidery and patchwork, she uses digital technology within her design process.
Artist in Residence
Simon Williams trained in natural history illustration at the Arts Institute in Bournemouth from 1996 – 2000. A National Diploma course place was offered to Simon straight from school at 16 years old based on his portfolio without the need for any foundation courses. This lead to him being able to start a career at a very young age and after furthering his training into a Higher National Diploma he submitted work to the Society of Botanical Artists in 2000, becoming the youngest member of the SBA in 2002.
Artist in Residence
Jeremy Paul was born 1954 in Lancashire, he had a successful career in marine biology before becoming a professional artist. His work in marine biology took him to live in some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the British Isles, it was while he lived of the west coast of Scotland that he started to paint seriously.
He is a completely self-taught artist who works exclusively in acrylics, developing each painting in many layers of paint. He now lives on the Isle of Man.
Artist in Residence
Painter & Embroiderer, Teacher & Lecturer, Author & Art Historian
Richard Box was trained at Goldsmiths’ School of Art and went on to be ‘Senior Lecturer’ and finally ‘Head of Art’ at Avery Hill College of Education. In 1985 he resigned from the position in order to develop his own work.
He is a regular exhibitor and demonstrator at the Knitting and Stitching shows and other craft fairs. He gives talks to textile groups; particularly to branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild throughout the country. He runs courses in drawing, painting and his particular system of textile art which combines fabric collage with both machine and hand embroidery. He teaches these at various adult education centres as well as independent organisations.
Family Fun Day
Our latest family fun day will be taking place on Saturday 25th June and will be themed around Bees, this will coincide with celebrating Insect Week (20th-26th June).
All activities will run from 10am-4pm and will be suitable for 3+; the cost to take part will only be £1 per person, under 3s free. If you wish to view the museum galleries on this day normal admission will apply.
Full details on the day’s events will be added below as soon as they are confirmed.
Here is a taster of what to look forward to already:
- Watch live demonstrations of real-life bees in their portable hive,
at 11am and 2pm - Discover our UV light and interactive smells exhibit
- Explore the microscopic world of bees
- Make a bee house and paint a bee magnet
- Get hands-on with the master composters
- Have a go at dissecting plants
- Take part in a Bumble Bee quiz and related games in the garden
There is no need to book for activities, please just come along anytime between 10am-4pm.
The coffee shop will also be open and serving light lunches.
Please see below for more detail about those organisations, individuals and charities who will kindly be providing many of the activities during our fun day:
The Cheltenham Science Group (10am-4pm) – Join the science group to experience the world as bees; using ultraviolet light, by dissecting a flower to see why pollinators are so important and by surveying the Nature in Art garden to find about the different pollinators at work. Plus, learn to communicate like a honey bee.
Bees Abroad (11am and 2pm) – The aim of Bees Abroad is to provide education and technical advice in Beekeeping. As part of the family day, see live hive demonstrations from the team as they educate you about bees and their importance! Find out more about them, here.
The Stroud-based Buzz Club for Young People (10am-4pm) – “Our aim is to ensure that all young people are aware of the importance of all bees and insects in the food chain and to care for the environment through bee centered education and play.”
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust (10am-4pm) – one aim of the Trust is to “support the conservation of all bumblebees, rare or abundant” and to educate people on the importance of bees in all shapes and forms. Have a go at completing their Bumblebee quiz and other games during the fun day. Find out more about them, here.
The Master Composters (10am-4pm) – Master Composters are volunteers who encourage people in their local community to start composting at home. During our fun day learn more about composing and the sorts of plants you can grow to help bees in your garden. Find out more about them, here.
Plus, meet insect artist Cath Hodsman who loves to explore the world of bees using a microscope. See some of her bee related artworks on show.
Elliot Channer is a sculptor and has had a passion for wildlife and art from a young age. He is largely self-taught and takes inspiration from the countryside.
Elliot travels the country in order to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat, to use in his work.
WE ARE VERY SORRY THAT DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES GARY IS NOT ABLE TO BE IN RESIDENCE ON THESE DATES. WE WILL PUBLISH NEW DATES AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE. Gary Hodges is the UK’s best selling and most collectable pencil artist, an impressive accolade for a self-taught and self-published artist. The huge demand for Gary’s limited edition prints has led to a lucrative secondary market, rewarding collectors with more than just the beauty of his drawings.
His enthusiastic collectors have supported him throughout his career. This popularity has enabled him to follow his heart and support charities dear to him. Through his wildlife art well over half a million pounds has been given back to protect the wildlife he feels so passionate about.
Gary has been one of our most regular and long-standing artists in residence and it is a delight to welcome him back again.
Artist in Residence
Holly Brookes, the daughter of woodcarver Roger Brookes, is a wildlife artist, specialising in drawing and printmaking. She has a fascination for detail and texture.