This exhibition is part of our programme of initiatives to encourage and support local creative endeavour. On show in the Atrium of our Wallsworth Centre, it features work by members of the Gloucestershire Society of Artists. They held their first exhibition in Gloucester Museum in 1924, so this is a milestone year! See representational and abstract works in various media and watch GSA members at work. Most items are for sale.
Left: Philippa Beale. Right: Tim Craven
Following on from previous exhibitions by the Arborealists at Nature in Art, this exhibition is a collaboration between them, a group of professional artists of diverse art practise who share the subject of the tree,and Julian Hight, a celebrated authority on ancient trees and the author of Britain’s Tree Story.
This unique selection of pictures explores the extraordinary physical presence and diverse colourful histories of a varied selection of these great survivors. Some have been selected by Hight for their significance, species and geological spread and others chosen by the artists as local favourites. Some trees are variously interpreted by different artistic approaches,styles and media and these will hang together for context and insight.
Although the least forested, Britain possesses the largest number of ancient trees in northern Europe of many species for a number of reasons. Some may have stood for over a thousand years while some British Yew trees are reputed to be up to four times that age, which if true, makes them the oldest living trees in Europe. Small wonder that artists have been inspired by their beauty, presence and aura.
From a human perspective, it is their constant presence within the community,surviving through one generation to the next and carrying with them events and stories, that elevates ancient trees to a higher place in our psyche. Over the centuries people have revered and named them. They act as silent witnesses to the past. Indeed, it is amazing to think that such is their longevity that some could be only ten generations away from the end of the last ice age when they first colonised our islands.
PLUS:
September 10th: Do join us for a private view of this show to meet some of the artists and find out about the Arborealists and on September 26th: An join us for an evening talk with Julian Hight. Find details of both HERE
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Elizabeth Gray (left) and Dafila Scott
It is hard to believe that we recently celebrated the 36th anniversary of us opening our doors to the public. Over the years we have been fortunate to work with many hundreds of artists, either as exhibitors, artists in residence and/or tutors. These associations have been part of our journey developing and building up the museum, its collections and activities, and we hope a valued part of their artistic journey too.
So as we look to the future, we are presenting a unique exhibition of A5 sized original works by some of these artists. Drawings, paintings, prints, even sculpture, each a nature-inspired to raise funds for our David Trapnell Legacy Project.
The fundraising element works like this ….each card will be allocated a number although this will be kept secret. Numbered tickets will be available for you to buy for just £30 each, a sum which we hope will make participation within reach of almost everyone. Once all the tickets are sold the numbers will be revealed. Only then will‘buyers’ discover which original postcard they have acquired.
So, we do hope that you will be keen to purchase a ticket for this special project! As well as a great way to help the museum, it is a rare opportunity for you to acquire a unique original signed piece of artwork.
Buy a ticket when you visit, or if you can’t make it, give us a call on 01452 731422.
An illustrated talk by Julian Hight, which coincides with the exhibition by The Arborealists. Julian is a designer, photographer and musician and a well known writer and speaker. He has had a passion for trees since childhood. His published books include Britain’s Tree Story, World Tree Story and Britain’s Ancient Forest Legacy and Lore. Britain has the least forest cover in northern Europe, but is thought to host its highest number of ancient trees. So, join Julian for this beautifully illustrated talk and hear about some truly magnificent living legends of the arboreal world.
Includes archive and contemporary photography and specially written music and video.
Doors open 7pm to view galleries.7.30pm finger buffet followed by talk. PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE HERE.
This is one of a series of shows highlighting the work of art societies. This exhibition, on show in the Atrium of our Wallsworth Centre, features work by The Wildlife Art Society International’s award winners from their 2024 Annual exhibition. See some of the award winners here. 2D and 3D exhibits in a variety of styles and media. Most works are for sale. There may be restricted access on 5th October. Meet members at work each day.
An evening with members of the Cotswold Astronomical Society to experience some star gazing and learn a little about the sky at night.
Full details to be published soon.
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.
An illustrated talk by Jacq Garner
What do birds, ancient Egypt, model making, calligraphy, and Nature in Art have to do with rocks and fossils? They all played essential roles on the path to Jacq Garner’s latest exhibition, GeOdyssey. In this presentation, Jacq gives a glimpse behind the scenes at the inspirations and processes she uses, and discusses how these seemingly random themes wove together, culminating in a radical change of artistic style. An inspiring evening for all.
(Jacq also works under the name Jackie Garner)
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
Join us to hear the The Tuesdays Singing Group as they get us in the festive mood. This choir was formed in 2015 and is one of three community groups that are part of ‘The Cheltenham Singing Groups’, directed by Louise Johnson. Based in Up Hatherley, the choir is made up of a range of people – different singing experiences, ages, occupations and life stories – but one of the main connections they have in common, is the joy of singing!
This is a great opportunity to also have FREE access to view THE BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR beforehand, making it a wonderful evening event.
Part of the proceeds from this evening’s performance will be donated to Emmaeus, a Gloucestershire homelessness charity.
Doors open 7pm, mince pies and mulled wine 7.30pm followed by event