Willow weaving highlighted during Arundel Arts Festival, Aug 18-25
Artwork with willow is the focus at Arundel Wetland Centre during the Arundel Arts Festival this Aug 18-25.
During the festival visitors are encouraged to explore the Reedbed Willow Sphere installation, woven by local environmental artist Mark Antony Haden Ford of Two Circles Design. Families can weave willow creations of their own as part of the Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT program. Both activities are included in the regular admission price.
In the Reedbed Willow Sphere visitors can view nature in the round – the sphere highlights wetland wildlife through forms created in the positive and negative space woven from willow, a traditional wetland building tool. WWT Arundel commissioned Beautiful Wonder Sustainable Projects, who worked with local environmental artist Mark Antony Haden Ford of Two Circles Design to create the permanent. (Mark is pictured above, working on the Willow Sphere last March as Artisit in Residence at Arundel Wetland Centre.)
This summer the Drawn to Water trail at Arundel Wetland Centre is part of a yearlong partnership between renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. Artful activities are running alongside the trail, including willow weaving on August 21-25. Families can make willow wands or circlets at these drop in workshops.
A children’s Lets Draw Outside workshop exploring drawing through shadow art, viewfinders, colours of nature soundscape drawing and more runs at 11.30 am-1 pm on weekends. Book at the Admissions desk for £2 per child and accompanying adult.
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is open seven days a week from 10am – 4.30 pm. Search WWT Arundel for more information.
The Arundel Festival of the Arts is a joyful and uplifting celebration of music, art, theatre, culture, food, and drink in the historic West Sussex town of Arundel from August 18-25. This is the 45th year of the 10 day festival which includes a Gallery Trail and a Theatre Trail. For a full list of activities and events visit https://www.arundelfestival.co.uk/
