NEWS - PRESS RELEASES

Perennial (2008), a work in glass and stainless steel by Louise and Colin Hawkins. The design is based upon forms found in nature.

Art meets nature

Discover the work of national and international artists in A Sense of Place – a vibrant exhibition of contemporary sculpture set in the beautiful surroundings of the University of Leicester’s botanic garden in Oadby.

Issued on 19 June

Sculpture in the garden 2008: A sense of place 21 June – 14 September at the Harold Martin Botanic Garden, Leicester

Opening hours 10am – 4pm daily

FREE admission

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: 12noon on Saturday 21 June at Beaumont Hall, Stoughton Drive South, Oadby, Leicester.

The University of Leicester in unveiling its 7th annual sculpture show from this Saturday (21 June), set in the magnificent surroundings of its botanic garden.

An exciting blend of creative responses to the ever popular theme of nature in art, this year’s exhibition brings together artists working in the United Kingdom and abroad who are united by a passion for creating work in response to the natural environment, through concept, form, choice of material and, most importantly, location.

Their position in the Botanic Garden is not incidental, but a deliberate attempt to juxtapose the real with the imagined, each artwork selectively responding to the space in which it is displayed. In doing so, they successfully establish a dialogue with their surroundings, heightening the visitors perception of the artwork and of the environment in which they themselves stand.

“The Garden is a unique and much admired feature of the University of Leicester. It is home to an historic collection of plants, shrubs and trees and is used by many researchers, school pupils and members of the public each year for the purpose of education and enjoyment. The Garden therefore offers artists an inspirational space in which to exhibit, most notably those whose work benefits from a physical dialogue with nature.” Professor Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester.

This year the exhibition incorporates two new elements: an artist-in-residence and a two-day live art action. Both offer visitors the exciting opportunity to observe artists as they create new work in response to the Botanic Garden and are part of a vibrant public programme that welcomes people of all ages and abilities, particularly those with a disability.

Notes to Editor:

This is the first occasion on which the exhibition has been organised by The Richard Attenborough Centre. As the University of Leicester's arts centre, the RACentre aims to offer opportunities to participate in the arts without barriers in ways that challenge and inspire. Our unique perspective will ensure Sculpture in the Garden continues to evolve and excite year on year, engaging artists and audiences from all backgrounds.

The Botanic Garden is situated in Oadby, 3 miles south-east of Leicester city centre, opposite Leicester Racecourse. The visitor entrance is on Glebe Road. Free on-street parking. For detailed directions see www.le.ac.uk/botanicgarden

A catalogue accompanies the exhibition. Priced £5 it is available from the RACentre, the University’s bookshop and by mail order. Many of the artworks are also for sale.

2008 exhibitors:

• Laura Ellen Bacon
• Abu Jafar
• Vibeke Glarbo
• Loco Glass – Louise and Colin Hawkins
• Jill Randall
• Anna Perch-Nielsen

For further information and/or images please contact Helen Forster, Visual Arts Manager on 0116 252 2455 or by emailing arts-visual@le.ac.uk

To view a gallery of images of some of the exhibited sculptures, please click here .

The exhibition has been featured in the Metro newspaper, click here to view the article.