Greening Chiddingly at ARTWAVE 2025
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Artworks created in parallel with our various projects to Restore Nature across Chiddingly Parish feature as part of a special exhibition at the Gun Brewery Taproom in September. The exhibition is part of the ARTWAVE FESTIVAL, one of the largest visual arts festivals in the South East.
The highlight will be output from the CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION project, designed by Chiddingly artist Gail Giles. There will also be opportunities to get 'hands-on' with wild clay, willow and rush workshops, as well as ceramics sessions. The exhibition is open from noon to 5pm over the weekends of 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21 September. For full details visit artwavefestival.org – the Gun Brewery Taproom is venue 34. Brochures for ARTWAVE 2025 are available from Chiddingly Village Shop and the Taproom. The exhibition is supported by the Lund Trust and High Weald National Landscape Partnership. |
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CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION
CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION is about joining the dots between people, nature and creativity. Just as hedgerows, ponds and woodlands link habitats across the landscape, this project links communities through art, craft and shared experience. By bringing together local artists, farmers, residents and students at the Aspire Farm School, the exhibition highlights how creative practice can reconnect us with the land, strengthen community bonds and support biodiversity.
Through CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION, local artists and makers explore how creativity can play a role in re-establishing our relationship with the natural world. These artists and makers have drawn inspiration from fields, woods and farms to produce work that reflects the landscapes around us and the communities that care for them. By weaving together art, ecology, and community action, CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION shows that nature restoration isn’t just about nature alone — it’s about people coming together, strengthening bonds and finding new ways to live more closely with the land. |
Close-up of the 'Community Weave' at the Green Weekend 2025 (image © Mark Valleley)
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WORKSHOP DATES and BOOKING DETAILS
From Saturday 6 September and continuing every weekend until Sunday 21 September there are a range of hands-on workshops running alongside the CORRIDORS OF CONNECTION exhibition. Each workshop has a limited number of spaces, so book early using the links below to avoid disappointment. All workshops will take place in the production area of the Gun Brewery, with a range of local food and drinks on offer. Note that there is a charge for workshop participation.
Wild Clay Workshops (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September)The Wild Clay workshops will be run by Lorraine Singer. Lorraine has a background in magazine design, where the use of space, colour and shape played a central role. Her work is deeply embedded in the natural surroundings of her rural home, incorporating home-dug clay and wood ash that firmly connect her creative process with the natural world that informs her daily life.
Click here to book onto the Wild Clay workshop on Saturday 6 September. Click here to book onto the Wild Clay workshop on Sunday 7 September. |
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Rush Bowl/Platter Workshop (Saturday 13 September), Willow Tray Workshop (Sunday 14 September)
Matilda Grover will be running two different basketry workshops over the weekend of 13/14 September — the first making bowls/platters from rushes and the second trays from willow. Matilda is a Sussex based designer, maker and basket weaver. Her specialism in basketry has drawn on her professional experience and education in design and craft. Matilda's connection with the natural world and desire to live and work in a sustainable way, has led her to work increasingly with natural and local materials. Having worked in a variety of design, research and craft led practices, Matilda has gained a broad knowledge of vernacular materials and processes.
Click here to book onto the Rush Bowl/Platter workshop on Saturday 13 September. Click here to book onto the Willow Tray workshop on Sunday 14 September. |
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Slab-built Ceramics Workshops (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September)
The Slab-built Ceramics workshops will be run by Katie Preece. Katie originally studied printmaking at the University of Brighton, but clay soon stole her heart. Bringing Katie’s love of lino-cutting into ceramics felt like the perfect match — carving bold patterns and pressing them into the soft, squidgy surface of clay is just so satisfying. These days, she focuses on creating pieces that celebrate the beauty of imperfection. No mass production here — just slow, thoughtful making with as little waste as possible.
Click here to book onto the Slab-built Ceramics workshop on Saturday 20 September. Click here to book onto the Slab-built Ceramics workshop on Sunday 21 September. |
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