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Introducing “Alchemy”, an exhibition and programme of events in collaboration with Thrown for London Craft Week

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In collaboration with specialist craft gallery THROWN, we are thrilled to introduce ‘Alchemy’, an exhibition curated for London Craft Week 2024 that presents the work of 11 artists and makers whose work celebrates the union of human creativity and the natural world.

‘Alchemy’ brings together works in ceramics, mixed media and print-making by artists Kim Colebrook, Tim Copsey, Diane Griffin, Rosalind Hobley, María Ignacia Walker, Alice McCabe, Victoria Louise Meadows, Faith Mowbray, Esther Palmer, Jo Pearl and Marek Pitera.

The exhibition revolves around process, and human’s creativity to transform material and work with nature in ways that express our deep entwinement with the more-than-human.

'Alchemy’ will open at OmVed Gardens on Saturday 11th May and run until Sunday 26th May 2024 (open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm). Admission is free and all artwork will be available to purchase.

Running alongside the exhibition, we have devised an exciting programme of events including artist talks, craft workshops, musical evenings and a supper club, exploring the theme from different perspectives. To check the programme and register for the events, visit this page.

Programme Overview:

Exploring vision and focus through floral collage
Join mixed media artist Alice McCabe for a floral collage workshop that uses observation of nature to re-awaken our eyes and encourage focus.
Saturday 11 May, 11:30 to 1pm, £42


Botanical Cyanotype Course
Learn the art of cyanotype printing and make your own botanical blue print at OmVedGardens with London artist Rosalind Hobley.
Saturday 11 May, 2 to 5pm, £60


Clay Critters
Join Jo Pearl, ceramic artist and animation film maker, for a playful workshop that breathes clay into life while exploring OmVed Gardens’ flora and micro fauna. 
Sunday 12 May, 11am to 1pm, £18


Tim Copsey: Serving Suggestions
Learn more about the process behind ‘Serving Suggestions’ a body of work by artist Tim Copsey that involves ceramics, performance, film and the landscape of the Peak District.
Wednesday 15 May, 6:30 to 8:30pm, £12

The Alchemy of Fermentation
Join Josephine Marchandise for an introductory talk and demo on the alchemy of fermentation.
Thursday 16 May, 6:30 to 8pm, £24

Music with Tommy Khosla & Mow Ray -  ‘Alchemy’ Late Opening
Experience the alchemy of art, craft, music and nature. An opportunity to visit our ‘Alchemy’ exhibition as the sun sets, explore the gardens and enjoy some live music by sitarist and composer Tommy Khosla, with Mow Ray on the Oud.
Friday 17 May, 6:30 to 9pm, £15

Painting with nature
A workshop aimed at children, dedicated to making handmade brushes from natural materials before mark making using nature based inks.
Saturday 18 May, 11am to 2pm, £18

Roots to Rise
An outdoor sharing of a dance piece in progress exploring ancestry, agriculture, ecological activism and wisdom of women.
Sunday 19 May, 12:30 & 3:30pm, Free, Booking Required

Inspired by geology: the ceramics of Kim Colebrook
Make a block of porcelain inspired by Nerikomi and the ceramics and creative journey of artist Kim Colebrook.
Sunday 19 May, 5 to 7:30pm, £60

London Craft Week finishes on Sunday 19th but our exhibition 'Alchemy', and its related programme of events runs until 26th May:

Crafting the Vessel: Stories of Gathering and Exchange
Join ceramic artist Esther Palmer on a workshop to reflect about, celebrate and craft a vessel, inspired by “The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction”
Wednesday 22 May, 6:00 to 8:00pm, £48

‘Alchemy’ Supper Club at OmVed Gardens
Our first Supper Club of the season, a special evening of food, art and craft featuring a three-course plant-based tasting menu
Thursday 23 May, 6:30 to 9:30pm, £70

Music by Soundtransformations - Alchemy Late Opening
Experience the alchemy of art, craft, music and nature. An opportunity to visit our ‘Alchemy’ exhibition as the sun sets, explore the gardens and a fascinating performance of Mongolian Khöömei singing by Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino.
Friday 24 May, 6:30 to 9pm, £15

Botanical Ointments Making Workshop
Unleash your inner alchemist at OmVed Gardens with our botanical ointments making workshop.
Saturday 25 May, 2 to 5pm, £54

A Field Guide to Spring: Children's Poetry Workshop
An interactive poetry workshop for children aged 6-10, based on Gabby Dawnay new book A Field Guide to Spring.
Sunday 26 May, 12 to 1pm, £7.20 (without book) £12 (with book)

Terracotta Plant Pot Workshop
Join visual artist and ceramist Nadire Gokmen for a fun workshop to make a hand made terracotta plant pot with natural pressings.
Sunday 26 May, 2pm to 4pm, £48

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