Wildlife and art combine for a weekend of activities
TWO local organisations teamed up over the weekend to bring wildlife and art together as part of a national initiative.
Guernsey Museums and Guernsey Arts hosted the Bailiwick’s first and only Wild Escape event, which saw Candie Museum filled with talks, workshops and pop-in activities.
Local wildlife charity the Pollinator Project was on hand to teach visitors about the anatomy of insects, using its powerful microscope designed for people who repair circuit boards.
Islanders were able to use the device to see up close creatures such as spiders, ladybirds and wasps, as well as a variety of plants, including stinging nettles.
‘Insects are so amazing but so small so you need to be able to zoom in using a microscope,’ said Pollinator Project education officer Laura Harrison.
The charity also ran a butterfly origami workshop using recycled materials and educated visitors on how to feed and protect pollinators.
Local artist Penny Dawes hosted a storyboard workshop for children, who took inspiration from Guernsey’s wildlife photo exhibition when drawing their animals.
She also helped the children learn what they can do to be sustainable at such a young age.
‘I’ve been providing visual aid to help them understand how they can take a hands on approach to helping the environment,’ said Ms Dawes.
Outside the museum was a charcoal arts workshop, led by James Colmer, where budding artists drew stormy scenes based on drawing of Guernsey’s coastline from the museum’s collection. These included the Lion Rock.
Eight-year-old Sayuri Elsey had been to the Wild Escape on both days and said the weekend’s theme was perfect for her.
‘I love art and nature art is my favourite, I like being creative.’
She was also happy to be able to use different materials and pick up new techniques.
Heron Colmer, 6, was busy, having completed five separate drawings during the workshop, and he said he enjoyed the social aspect of the event. ‘You make new friends when you draw.’
There was more art in the Discovery Room where visitors created collages based on the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition currently on display in the museum.
The museum also hosted wildlife talks in the theatre and a display of animal skulls.
