March: Botanic Garden Easter Sculpture Festival | News and features

The festival is one of the garden’s most loved traditions bringing together local artists, first time exhibitors, skilled demonstrators and hands-on creative workshops for visitors.

This year there will be an exciting combination of returning favourites and artists exhibiting with us for the first time. New artists include: Pam Moolman (sculpture), Flora De Ospina (stained glass), Laura Fox (lino cut) and Sarah Hanrahan (fine art). The garden is also welcoming a group of UWE Bristol art students showing open‑air sculptures for the very first time.

Visitors can also enjoy free demonstrations and mini workshops throughout the weekend including  Tez Roberts – potter’s wheel demonstrations and have‑a‑go sessions, David Davidge – stone carving demonstrations with tools to try and Maya Wolf – willow weaving workshops (Easter Sunday & Monday only). Geoff Hannis  will be demonstrating green woodworking on a traditional foot‑powered lathe

Artworks will be displayed across the main Garden, the café and the Linnaeus Study Room by featured artists Aurora Pozniakow, Kathryn Shorthouse, Martin McGirr, Renée Kilburn, Hayley Jones, Margaret Crump, Karen Edwards, Frankie Hudson and Maya Albalgli. Graphic artists exhibiting in the Linnaeus Room include Jo Whiteland, Jo West, Sarah Hanrahan and Laura Fox.

In addition, a plant sale will run across all four days, offering a wide variety of plants grown by Botanic Garden members. The Chandos Deli Café will be open throughout the Festival with lunches, snacks and drinks available every day.

Nick Wray, Curator of the Botanic Garden, said: “I am delighted the garden is hosting the festival once again. It’s a great opportunity for local West Country artists to exhibit their work, and for the garden to celebrate over 20 years of being at its current home with visitors enjoying access throughout the year.

“The aim of the festival is to showcase the harmony between human creativity and the natural world with unique hand-crafted sculptures, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. Our visitors will have the opportunity to be inspired and immerse themselves in the world of art and nature.

“During the event visitors can view and buy sculpture and artwork, enjoy demonstrations of wood turning, pottery making and have a go for free at willow weaving and stone carving with experts on hand to give tips and advice.”

Standard admission to the Festival is £10, supporter £15 (includes extra donation to support the Garden) and University of Bristol staff and alumni £5. Entry is free to school age children, Friends of the Garden and all students, and to essential carers of disabled visitors (no booking required for free tickets). Tickets available here.