Inspiring new events to explore nature this autumn
Following the successful launch of their new Creative Cabin in Exmouth, Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) and Wild East Devon are gearing up for a packed programme of events this autumn.
The cabin – an innovative, creative space to explore art, culture and nature- travelled to Exmouth over the bank holiday for its first outing. The team offered three days of fun-packed art activities to local families exploring the natural environment through painting, drawing with clay and making patterns from nature. They were also given take-away activities to enjoy at home.
"It was brilliant! I loved getting clay on my hands and arms. The idea of a travelling van which promotes art is amazing," said one of the participants.
Throughout the autumn there will be a broad range of art activities, projects, talks, performances and workshops. The cabin will creatively explore our relationship with nature and the climate emergency.
Headlining the programme will be a fascinating talk by Turner Prize winning artist, Richard Long, on Saturday 12 September. Coordinating with THG's current exhibition ARTIST ROOMS Richard Long 'Being in the Moment' (till 31 Oct) it will be a rare opportunity to hear the artist in conversation about his work.
Artists Megan Calver and Gabrielle Hoad, who exhibited in THG's East Devon Way exhibition, will lead a workshop exploring landscape, movement and language in the cabin when it visits the THG garden on 19 September.
This October Half Term, the cabin will offer photography workshops with photographer Paul Blakemore as well as art and nature activities with the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs to celebrate 'Naturally Healthy October'. Other artists who will be involved are: Fourthland, Anne-Marie Culhane and Pete Ward and watch out for the cabin at Sidmouth Science Festival and local Apple Days.
The programme will also reach out to those hardest hit during the pandemic, including Devon Recovering Learning Community (DRLC) working with people with lived experience of mental health difficulties and their family and friends. DRLC have partnered with THG to provide 'Art of the Senses' a five part course exploring how the five senses can be a creative source of inspiration for making art.
Anna Aroussi THG's Creative Cabin engagement officer said,
"The aim of the Creative Cabin's new activities is that they are fun, safe, encourage health and wellbeing, raise awareness of issues around climate change and inspire with opportunities to experience culture.
More and more events are being confirmed as the programme gathers momentum so keep an eye on the THG website and social media for updates!"
Councillor Joe Whibley, Chair of East Devon's Arts & Culture Forum, commented,
"It was great to see the Creative Cabin successfully launching in Exmouth, giving local families the opportunity to explore nature creatively. I am looking forward to the programme this autumn and seeing a range of activities that will benefit the whole community."
For upcoming events near you, visit: thelmahulbert.com/creativecabin and follow #ourcreativecabin on social media
Thursday 8, 15, 22, 29 September + 6 October, 11 – 12.30: Art of the Senses five week course in partnership with Devon Recovery Learning Community. Limited places, book here.
Saturday 12 September
5.00-5.45: Richard Long talk at THG. 10 places, book here
5.45-6.15: Meet the Artist – informal Q&A in the Creative Cabin, THG garden
Saturday 19 September, 11 – 1 : (be)wilder workshop. Limited places, book here
October Half Term: Photography workshops and 'Naturally Healthy October' activities- more to follow.
The Creative Cabin is provided in partnership with Wild East Devon, East Devon and Blackdown Hills AONBs and Arts and Culture University of Exeter and has been made possible by ARTIST ROOMS with the support of Art Fund, Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Community Fund.
