Re:Connecting - Habitats, Wildlife, People
Allen Gallery
Wednesday 15 May – Sunday 23 June 2024
The Allen Gallery in Alton welcomes Bridget Macklin, an established ceramicist based in Cornwall, and wildlife photographer Alex Potts for an extraordinary exhibition titled Re:Connecting - Habitats, Wildlife, People this spring. Supported by Binsted Parish Council, The Friends of Blacknest Fields and Alton Natural History Society, this exhibition showcases specially commissioned ceramics and photography, celebrating the restoration of a local site for nature and the transformative impact of community action in reuniting habitats, wildlife and people.
At the heart of the exhibition lies Macklin's porcelain creations infused with clay from Blacknest Fields, meticulously adorned with Potts' captivating wildlife imagery. Potts' skillful use of lithographs and prints vividly captures the beauty of local wildlife, underlining the urgency of preserving their habitats in the face of climate change.
The collaboration between Macklin and Potts transcends mere artistic expression, serving as a potent catalyst for impactful action. Reflecting on their partnership, they express deep admiration for the unwavering dedication exhibited by all involved in the Blacknest Fields project. Together, their goal is to kindle a sense of urgency in viewers, prompting them to acknowledge the potential for reversing biodiversity declines through collective effort. "We hope it will inspire others to act" stated Bridget Macklin and Alex Potts, underscoring that with the collaboration of enthusiastic volunteers and experts, biodiversity declines can be reversed, benefiting both wildlife and communities.
The forthcoming exhibition will encompass a series of events at the Allen Gallery and beyond in partnership with The Friends of Blacknest Fields and Alton Natural History Society. The events have been tailored for local schools and people of all ages, amplifying the exhibition's messages in the community. Events include clay workshops with ceramicist Bridget Macklin, moths and minibeast spotting with expert naturalists June Chatfield and Chris Piper and a cyanotype workshop with photographer Alex Potts.
For more information, please visit https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/reconnecting-habitats-wildlife-people.