Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the Natural History Museum’s (London) globally renowned annual competition and exhibition, highlighting the unique and beautiful relationship between photography, science and art.
A forest rodeo, a hidden stargazer and a mason bee at work are just a few of the awe-inspiring images featured in the fifty-ninth competition. All 100 winning wildlife photographs will be on display at Nature in Art.
This year’s competition attracted an astounding 49,957 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 95 countries.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum sums up the importance of the exhibition: ‘We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.’
Entry to the exhibition is included in the entrance price to Nature in Art.
Gloucestershire Society of Artists was founded in 1924 linked to the Gloucester Art College and several of the talented tutors at the college were the first members. The Art Club is still a devoted community made up of enthusiastic individuals who enjoy sharing ideas and activities. This is the first of a series of exhibitions across the county marking the 100th anniversary of the society. This celebratory exhibition includes work in a variety of styles and media.
This exhibition will take place in the Atrium of the Education Centre. Free entry.
Meet members everyday. Some items for sale.
Paul is a freelance wildlife photographer striving to make images count in the conservation of wildlife and habitats in rivers, lakes, forests and oceans.
He works with marine, freshwater and wildlife conservation agencies worldwide. A former chairman of the British Society of Underwater Photographers, Paul pioneered new river-wildlife photography techniques using remote control cameras. He expanded his portfolio to include above-water subjects and is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading night-infrared bat photographers. A former overall winner of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, Paul has recorded major successes in Underwater Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year and Nature Photographer of the Year. He has Royal Photographic Society gold medals and his work is published widely in UK and internationally. This talk will focus on his pioneering bat, river and ocean photography projects in conservation.
Starts 7pm, followed by a finger food buffet and the talk. Finishes around 9:15pm.
£12 per person.
Book a ticket HERE.
An exhibition of contemporary lace.
‘Elemental’ is the Westhope Group’s latest of many varied exhibitions. Members’ work is grounded in centuries-old techniques, but challenges the traditional view of lacemaking. Using traditional lacemaking techniques, group members produce contemporary textile art that may not always be immediately recognised as lace.
Founded in 1989, members of the Westhope Group come from all over the UK. Although their backgrounds in lace are varied, they have a common interest in maintaining strong lace traditions, pushing the boundaries of lace techniques and sharing experience with students, lacemakers and all who have an enthusiasm for textiles.
The theme, ‘Elemental’, looks at nature at its most basic level. Whether looking at the ancient elements of earth, water, fire and air, or considering modern chemical elements, these are the building blocks of our world. The theme has proved to be a rich source of inspiration for this talented group who have interpreted the theme in many different ways. The result is a beautifully conceived exhibition, all worked in the medium of lace.
See group members demonstrating on 30th March, 3rd, 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th April.
More details about the Westhope Group and its members can be found on their website or their Instagram page.
This exhibition will take place in the Atrium of the Education Centre. Free entry.
This exhibition will now finish on May 12th (was 28th April)
Royal Copenhagen Porcelain was established in Copenhagen in 1775 by the Danish monarchy and is still in production today. The porcelain is known worldwide for its high standards of craftsmanship, immaculate design and being made and painted entirely by hand.
The company makes a wide variety of items such as tableware, figurines, animals, birds, fish, vases, dishes and plates. This exhibition will show a varied sample of animals and birds dating from 1890’s – 1990’s.
Royal Copenhagen’s first ever pattern in 1775 was the Blue Fluted Plain, a blue and white floral design. In the 19th century, Blue Fluted Plain was so highly coveted, the pattern could be found on everything from teapots to chamber pots.
Since 1775, every piece of porcelain that has left Royal Copenhagen carries its factory marks; the three waves, the royal crown and the painter’s mark. These are symbols of authenticity, the royal connection and the mark of hand-craftsmanship.
The figurines from Royal Copenhagen have long been out of production and the only ones still being produced are the annual figurine series. Nature in Art has three pieces of Royal Copenhagen porcelain in its permanent collection, all of which will be on display alongside key works from two local private collections.
The exhibition will celebrate the huge variety and detail of around 50 decorative items, ranging from an early and rare marmot created in the c.1890’s to a Lady Amherst pheasant, one of the most colourful figurines made by one of the few female modellers, Andrea Nielsen. The selection will include miniatures to compliment larger items, with some animals and birds being life size. This will be a rare and exciting opportunity to see so many Royal Copenhagen items together at once.
Entry into this exhibition is included in the admission price to the museum.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
You will learn about the simple beauty of making mosaics and produce one for your home with professional mosaic artist Joanna Dewfall who has over 30 years experience of commissions and teaching the art form.
In this friendly and relaxed workshop, Joanna will demonstrate and explain the various mosaic materials and techniques of cutting and laying tesserae in the classical mosaic style. You will learn how to use two different types of tile cutters in a safe and productive way. Joanna provides all tools and materials: tile cutters, safety glasses, washable pva, paper, tracing paper, 20cm boards, glass and porcelain mosaic tiles, grout to take home with instructions.
You may bring a simple design which Joanna will help you adapt for mosaic, or use one of Joanna’s many tried and tested template designs. Grouting will be demonstrated but you will need to complete this at home – grout and full instructions included. The completed mosaic will be heat and wipe proof.
Materials List:
Please bring with you a soft pencil, ruler and rubber. Joanna will supply all other materials at a cost of £15 (cash) per person, to be paid to Joanna directly on the day of the course.
Artist Profile:
Joanna Dewfall has a BA in Fine Art from Winchester School of Art (1982) and for over 25 years has been making mosaic artworks for a variety of private and public clients. Joanna has considerable experience of engaging with a wide range of groups and organisations. Her passion is in creating exciting detailed designs in mosaic which reflect the values, stories and wishes of the client.
Joanna’s style of mosaic for the most part is based on the classical small tesserae flowing designs of ancient mosaics. Joanna works in matt porcelain, vitreous glass and marble mosaic tile. Public engagement is an important part of Joanna’s way of working and her most recent example of this is a large mural at Salisbury Rail Station made with rail staff.
www.dewfallmosaic.co.uk Instagram: dewfallmosaic
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
On this one day course, Helen will teach you how to make a basket using red Dogwood, Snowberry Hazel and Lime, together with the glorious colours of this years willow harvest. No previous experience needed.
Materials List:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £10, to be paid to the tutor on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Helen Lomberg has been making Baskets and using Willow and other Hedgerow materials for many years now. Twelve years ago she set up The Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts Centre in Westgate Street, Gloucester.
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
A fascinating series of relief editioned original prints, primarily created using wood, lino and stencils, by renowned print maker Julia Manning RE, SWLA. Bringing to life what she calls the ‘incredible – implausible sometimes! – life of Eels.’
Guided by international eel expert, Andy Don, and focusing on areas of Somerset, Manning has learnt about these fascinating creatures and the challenges that they face. Though the medium of print, she has visualised an incredible visual story of eel migration and metamorphis.
The European eel is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and appears on their ‘Red List’ of threatened species. Since 1970, the numbers of juvenile eels entering European rivers has declined by more than 95%. These Anguillid eels have been around for about 80 million years.
These eels stay in England’s fresh waters for many years, up to 25, before feeling the pull of the sea and heading out on their final migration. These upstream migrations are often less than straightforward because of man-made obstructions such as weirs that are used to regulate and control river flows. Special ‘eel passes’ have been designed and can be installed to overcome these obstacles. Other pressures have been man’s greed by illegal exploitation (smuggling millions of glass eels to Asia), climate change (the shifting of the currents on which the Leptocephali (eel larva) drift and rely) and invasive parasites introduced from abroad.
The story of the Somerset eels seems to resonate across all species. Our local wildlife is truly showing its connection to the global world.
See more on Julia’s website or Instagram Page.
Entry to this exhibition is included in the admission price to the museum. Julia will be giving a talk in conjunction with the exhibition on Tuesday 23rd April. Find out more here.
Course Suitability: Beginners- Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description
Card printing is the perfect introduction to relief printmaking. Using scissors and craft knives, participants will have the opportunity to develop a number of different prints quickly and inexpensively. This method of printmaking allows for a playful approach and can be used in collaboration with other printmaking processes. This 2 day workshop is designed to introduce Relief printmaking to the beginner using inexpensive materials whilst allowing those who are familiar with the process to refresh their knowledge and further explore this versatile way of working. Working with simple materials, participants will be afforded the opportunity to explore and experiment without inhibition. The Course will consist of demonstrations, group work and one to one tuition. At the completion of the course participants will be able to use the methods that they have learnt, at home or in their own studio. Participants are invited to bring any sketchbooks or source material of their own, however this is not a requirement.
Materials List
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £10.00 (cash) which will be paid to Nik by the participants on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Nik Pollard’s paintings and drawings are generated from sustained, direct observation and are often resolved in the field. Drawing from all the senses, he investigates the rhythms and characteristics of a location and its ecology, resulting in a sense of time and place. Working with a range of mediums, he focuses on the essential aspects of what it is that has drawn him to the subject. When working in the studio he often turns to printmaking in order to pursue an idea further, substituting the thrill of the first-hand direct response with the magic of printmaking and the exploration of materials and processes that cannot easily be replicated outdoors. Nik has been involved and has helped develop a number of Art/ Conservation projects, he sees art education as a perfect opportunity to help people re-engage with nature and believes that art has a role in promoting conservation stories. https://www.nikpollard.co.uk/
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £110
Non-members of Nature in Art: £138
If you would like to book a place on this course, please click here.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners- Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
In this needle felting class you will learn how to needle felt a beautiful and fun Indian runner duck that’s about 8 inches tall. A variety of colour wool will be included so you can choose which one to make. All materials will be provided, but if you have done needle felting and you have your own favourite felting needles, mats, scissors or other tools, please bring them along. You will be learning techniques taught by an experienced award winning artist Agnese Davies (A.D.Woolcraft). We hope you will enjoy spending a day with other likeminded people creating a beautiful Runner duck out of wool.
Materials List
The tutor will provide the required materials for the course at a cost of £10 (cash) per person to be paid to Agnese on the day of the course. If you have done needle felting before and have your own favourite felting needles, mats, scissors etc, you are welcome to bring them along. Otherwise everything will be provided.
Artists Profile
Agnese is a needle felting artist, passionate about the preservation of the Natural world and animals. Her sculptures are delicate and are hand made with care and great attention to detail and personality. Agnese uses natural and carefully selected materials such as pure British wool, steel wire for the armature, glass for the eyes, horsehair for whiskers and clay or wax for the nose and claws. Sculpting with wool takes many hours, days even, as it involves preparing the wire armature, studying the chosen creature and shaping the wool with a fine needle into the correct proportions. Instagram: a.d.woolcraft
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
To book a place on this course, please click here.