Lapwing with Karen Coulson
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
Derwent Coloursoft Pencils on Mountboard
Explore the techniques of colour blending and layering with colour pencils to achieve the many colours of the feathers in this beautiful bird.
No need to worry about drawing freehand as a line drawing is supplied.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session.
Places are on a first come first served basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, and £75 for non-members
Ros Wise Garden Paintings
A special display to coincide with the National Garden Scheme Open Day. This is a feast of large canvases capturing the contrast in tones and colour, and the vibrancy, energy and beauty found in gardens, alerting us to the power that nature holds for us.
Growing Together: A Photographic Exploration of Community, Heritage, and Healing Through Gardening
Growing Together explores how gardening connects people and improves well-being. 
Social prescribing provides activities that support emotional and mental health, as is evident each week, when a group gathers at an allotment in Gloucester, where the simple act of gardening becomes something powerful.
Here, people facing disabilities, mental health challenges, and social isolation find healing through nature and community bonds. Beyond growing vegetables, allotments bring people together, foster connection and support, creating a space where nature unites.
Historically, allotments have been safe havens for working-class people, providing food, purpose, and pride. These spaces hold deep cultural significance, reflecting resilience, creativity, and shared traditions.
Through portrait photography, Stefania Distante captures the heart of this community, highlighting the strength, heritage, and transformation that flourish in these gardens. This project celebrates how gardening fosters botanical, personal and collective growth.
Special MONDAY opening on 19th May
Come and see Nature in Art’s garden as part of the National Open Garden Scheme which raises millions of pounds each year for charity.
The whole museum will be open too, plus you’ll be able to
- meet experts from Master Composters
- meet Nature in Art’s beekeeper, Brian, who will show you their new observation hive (see what’s going on in the inside!) ,
- browse our plant and garden book stalls (in aid of Nature in Art)
- see special exhibitions by Rosalind Wise , the Royal Miniature Society and Stefania Distanti
£6.50 entry (all proceeds to NGS)
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Coffee shop open for drinks and light snacks.
A Dream Come True
An illustrated talk by Braddon Johnson and Shona Thornhill
A dream of independent travel to wide open spaces with no discernible timeline is where it all began. As time passed options were refined, and soon enough Shona and Braddan were ready to roll. Literally. Riding two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles they travelled overland from Tuktoyaktuk where Canada meets the Arctic Ocean, through the USA, Mexico, Central America and finally to Ushuaia – the most southern point of South America. Join us as they share their journey – the places, people, technicalities, fun and challenges of life on the road. An inspiring evening for all!
TWASI
May 24th – June 1st (including B.Holiday Monday)
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The annual selling exhibition of the Wildlife Art Society International. Over 350 works, both 2D and 3D. The Society is a focus for the interests of wildlife artists, painters, sculptors and photographers. Demonstrations every day.
A Nod for Lady Elwes
May 30th – 31st
Lady Carolyn Elwes was the lifeblood running through the snowdrops at the renowned Colesbourne Gardens. Lady Elwes, who always liked to be called Carolyn, was a self-taught artist who kept more than 30 illustrated diaries of her activities and was an expert needleworker who made rugs, cushions, hats and dresses throughout her life and did all the illustration for the Colesbourne Gardens snowdrop brochures and cards for more than 30 years. She was a national W.I. judge of needlework and crafts and still had time to be a wonderful wife and mother. This is a rare chance to see some of her original art and crafts plus sketchbooks from the family archives.
Linocut Printmaking Inspired by Botanical Forms with Jo Biggadike
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn how to create lino print designs using nature and botanical forms as your inspiration. Linocut is a fantastic way to explore printmaking without the need for expensive equipment.
During this workshop you will learn to create an effective linocut design, how to transfer your ideas onto the lino block, and safe techniques for using cutting tools. We will also explore simple printing methods that you can continue to use at home. By the end of the session, you will know how to print your linocut effectively and will take home a selection of prints along with your newly created linocut block, which can be reused in the future.
We will be using washable printing inks, but please be aware that they may still stain clothes. We recommend wearing old clothes or bringing an apron. All materials needed to create your linocut will be provided.
Please bring along any photos, sketches, dried or fresh plants that you would like to use as inspiration. Additional materials will also be available.
Materials Required:
All materials supplied within session at a cost of £10, to be paid on the day.
About the artist:
Jo Biggadike is a full-time artist and printmaker based in Cheltenham. She studied Textile Design at Chelsea School of Art and worked as a designer in furnishing fabric prints. Seeking a more handcrafted and personal approach, she now specialises in hand inked, limited edition linocut prints, inspired by her walks in the surrounding countryside. In 2020, she completed a Master’s in Illustration from the University of Gloucestershire and now sells her work internationally and regularly exhibits across the Southwest, Wales, and Midlands.
Places are on a first come first basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, £75 for non-members
Royal Miniaturist Open Evening
This is a great opportunity to come and meet some of the members of the Royal Miniature Society who created the exhibits in our special Nature in Miniature exhibition and to find out more about the works on display.
Join us anytime between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.
No finger buffet at this event, but drinks available. Please book your ticket here, free to book but we are accepting donations on the night.
Otter in Graphite with Jamie Boots
NOW FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Suitable for all
Maximum Participants: 12
Course Description:
Join artist Jamie Boots for a three-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.
Places are on a first come first basis.
To secure your place on this course a £25 non-refundable deposit is required.
All courses are £59 per day for members, £75 for non-members.