A collective of New Forest Marque Inspired artists will be returning to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst this August to showcase their original artwork and crafts which are influenced by the beauty of the New Forest landscape.
The exhibition will be open for a total of four weeks. The first two will be in collaboration with Hampshire Open Studios which runs until the end of August and supports small and independent art venues across the county. The exhibition will extend beyond this time into September, giving the public more opportunity to visit. It will feature seventeen artists showcasing some of New Forest’s most vibrant and unique pieces, including paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, glasswork and jewellery.
In addition to the main exhibition, a number of New Forest Marque Inspired artists will also be taking part in Hampshire Open Studios at a variety of independent venues across the New Forest. These include CODA Music and Arts Trust in Walkford and Angels Farm Pottery Studio in Lyndhurst. All participating locations form part of a specially designed ‘Inspired Trail’, offering visitors a chance to follow a curated route and discover even more local creativity throughout the region.
New Forest Marque Inspired was introduced as an additional branch of the New Forest Marque tree in November 2023. Supported by funding from Arts Council England, Inspired is open to artists and craftspeople who live in the New Forest and are influenced by the beauty of the surrounding nature and landscape – which is reflected in their work.
The New Forest Marque prides itself on being a sign of true local produce, and its recognisable blue emblem has become synonymous with quality and hand-crafted goods. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, the Marque continues to nurture a community of local businesses that are committed to being part of a sustainable future for the Forest, and is supported by the New Forest National Park Authority.
Shaun Stevens, artist and member of the New Forest Marque Board said:
‘After the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to be returning to the Heritage Centre to showcase the creative talent found in the area. We are not just a group of artists but a collaborative community of people that live and work in the New Forest, and who care deeply about preserving its character and landscape. We meet regularly to share ideas and support one another, and it’s been encouraging to see how much the group has grown over the past year.’
The New Forest Marque Inspired exhibition is open to the public and can be viewed between 16 August – 14 September 10am – 5pm at The New Forest Heritage Centre, Main Car Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY. Free entry.
Hampshire Open Studio brochures are free to pick up at local shops, galleries, libraries and information centres in the New Forest and surrounding areas.
www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk
About the New Forest Marque
The New Forest Marque is a food and produce scheme set up to champion businesses who pride themselves on producing and providing food, drinks and crafts with clearly defined New Forest provenance. The New Forest Marque also works to protect, encourage, and promote the traditional farming practices which help fashion the iconic landscape found in the New Forest. Visit www.newforestmarque.co.uk to find out more.