‘Moorhen in the Rain – Minsmere’ Watercolour c1984. Peter Partington SWLA (1941-2025). Included in this exhibition together with an accompanying poem written by the artist.
In Sync: Words and Wonders
A selection of work, both 2D and 3D, shown with contemporary and historic poetry.
For centuries, art has inspired poets, and poetry has inspired artists.
Vincent Van Gogh was a voracious reader and was a fan of many British authors and poets, including Charles Dickens and John Keats. He often wrote out extracts from different passages that inspired him and sent them to his brother, Theo. In one of Van Gogh’s first letters from London, he copied out the poem ‘Autumn’ by Keats, writing, ‘The last few days I’ve enjoyed reading the poems of John Keats, he’s a poet who isn’t very well known in Holland, I believe. He’s the favourite of the painters here…’
In Chinese culture poetry and painting are deeply intertwined. Many painters took ancient poetry as their inspiration. The poetic tradition, which reaches back over two millennia, provided these artists with a rich wellspring from which to draw, including verses on nature. For painters who were themselves poets, one of the greatest ambitions was to create a work that combined their original poetry, calligraphy, and painting into coherent artwork, known as the ‘three perfections’ in Chinese – a chance to stand on the shoulders of their poetic heroes and add their voice to the tradition.
So, this selection of works from our collection brings together poetry (some written by the artist) and painting.
We’ll also be inviting visitors to pause and write their own poetic responses to the exhibits on display.
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)
Gloucestershire Society of Artists
One of a series focusing on our desire to highlight and encourage active creative groups celebrating the natural world.
This is the 2026 GSA members annual exhibition.
All the items on display will be new work and awards are given to the best in show, including a visitor’s favourite vote. With the society now being over 100 years old it is especially pleasing that there are new members this year, helping to build on it’s inspiring heritage.
For the first time there will be a section for work by children. (Entries can be in any medium – see details on the GSA website). These will have been selected by a group of judges.
From traditional watercolours and drawings, to 3D works and more abstract interpretations, there will be something for everyone.
There will also be an opportunity to see members at work each day.
Tetiana Hnilytska is a professional violinist who has played with several orchestras around the world including the Hans Zimmer orchestra and the Odessa Philharmonic. Originally from Odessa, Tetiana came to the UK as a refugee with her family following the invasion of Ukraine. She will be performing with the talented Sarah Harris on piano. The programme will include works by Bach, Piazzola, Skoryk, Kreisler and others.
- 7pm Doors open to view museum galleries
- 7.30pm Finger buffet
- 8.10pm Recital
Book here
We have another amazing Dare to Dabble planned for you!
Designed completely around the absolute beginner, or those who just fancy a dabble, these sessions provide a great opportunity to try out new art techniques and mediums.
Morning Session: 10am – 12pm
Afternoon Session: 1pm – 3pm
Inspiration, materials, guidance and fun are all provided, and as all tasks should, we’ll begin with a brew.
Follow this link to see what we have going on in the session today: Dare to Dabble
Course details:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant shades of autumn with this two-day watercolour sketching course, perfect for all abilities. You will learn how to capture the rich hues and textures of the season through step-by-step demonstrations and practical exercises, working from both reference materials and nature itself. Explore essential watercolour techniques including washes, layering, and colour mixing to bring autumn landscapes, foliage, and textures to life. Guidance will be tailored to suit each participant, ensuring a relaxed and supportive environment. By the end of the course, you will have created your own collection of expressive autumnal sketches.
Materials and additional costs:
Supplied by tutor, £32 cash
Or email tutor for materials list
Suitability:
Beginners – advanced
Spaces:
12
Price: £124 / £158
Join us for a launch and private view of the special retrospective exhibition of works celebrating the life and work of Peter Partington SWLA (1941 – 2025). Find out more about this show here
Although this is a FREE event, PLEASE BOOK HERE
Course details:
Explore the colour pencil techniques required to draw this little kitten using assorted colour pencils on Mount Board including indenting and colour layering for stripes in fur.
Line Drawing supplied to trace or copy.
Materials
Supplied by tutor, £3 charge (cash)
Suitability:
Suitable for all
Spaces:
12
Price: £62 / £79
Course details:
Explore the techniques required to draw this portrait using Derwent Coloursoft Pencils and Water-soluble Graphite pencils to create muted tones.
Materials
Supplied by tutor, £3 charge (cash)
Suitability:
Suitable for all
Spaces:
12
Price: £62 / £79
Course details:
Explore the techniques required to draw this portrait using Derwent Coloursoft Pencils and Water-soluble Graphite pencils to create muted tones.
Materials
Supplied by tutor, £3 charge (cash)
Suitability:
Suitable for all
Spaces:
12
Price: £62 / £79