Exhibitions

David de la Haye - March

This installation is inspired by the underwater sounds of aquatic plants as heard in ponds around County Durham.

During this installation, a series of headphones allow audiences to hear underwater recordings from four locations: Easington, Quarrington, Hett, and Houghall. Accompanying digital art prints are based on the visual representation of the plant’s acoustics - its sonic fingerprint. The project explores sound perception in plants (phytoacoustics), water sustainability and freshwater biodiversity, whilst evoking wild curiosity about hidden sounds in overlooked spaces.

 

Christine Cave - April

As an artist Christine is inspired by the ever-changing landscapes, florals and foliage, skies, and seascapes of the Northeast. Drawing on her extensive skill in using soft pastels Christine captures the beauty, vibrancy, emotion, and atmosphere of this stunning and diverse area in her expressive paintings.

 

John Renshaw - June 

John Renshaw lives in Durham and has been exhibiting his paintings at the Botanic Garden since 2004.  He paints in watercolour, sometimes adding ink. 

Proceeds from this exhibition will be given to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.

 

July - Houghton Art Club 

Houghton art club has members aged 30 to 88. We meet every Thursday 7-9pm. Members paint and draw in all different mediums, Oils, Acrylic, Watercolour, pastels, pencils and digital. Also, all different subjects. We have no tuition as such (although we do have workshops monthly on a Saturday) but support and advise each other. Find out more on our website. We also have a Houghton Art Club Facebook site.

 

August - Peoples Art Community Studio Bridgid Ann Murray 

Peoples Arts Community Studio is a small art co-operative operating out of the dedicated studio at the Community Centre, Tanfield Lea, Stanley in County Durham. There are eight members at present, and we have a wide range of artistic interests. We are members of the Society for All Artists. Viewers of our exhibition can expect works ranging from pastoral and landscape scenes, human and animal subjects, through to graphic art and science fiction/fantasy. We use many techniques and media, so expect pencil/ink/charcoal drawings, water colour, acrylic paints, pastels, and linoprints. There may well be more as we are always up for a challenge! We have a Facebook group, Peoples Arts Community Studio, where there are photos of previous exhibitions. We are delighted to be returning to the Botanic Gardens again!!!!!

 

September - Durham Photographic Society

Durham Photographic Society has been running more or less continuously since 1892. We are a community of photography enthusiasts who share a passion for capturing the world around us in all its shapes and form.

We meet weekly and have a varied and inspiring programme, comprising of presentations, competitions and members evenings. There are also formal & informal organised outings.

We meet Thursdays most weeks at St Oswalds Church Institute, Church Sreet, Durham, DH1 3DQ. 7-00pm.

You can guarentee a warm welcome and you can attend for up to four meetings before having to commit to membership which is currently

£55 per year and Students/Juniors £25 per year.

 

October - Keith Bell

Keith Bell has lived in Durham since graduating from the University. As an undergraduate he designed posters for social events at Dunelm and various colleges. Over the years he has had solo exhibitions within the region and exhibited his paintings in London. More recently one of his works was shortlisted for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. He also has appeared as a wildcard on SkyTVs Landscape Artist of the Year. 

His works are varied but his main passion is landscapes  based on the countryside of the North but also further afield.

Are you interested in displaying your work at the Botanic Garden?

Durham University Botanic Garden has a rich connection with artists and their work, with many sculptures hidden around the garden. To this end we utilise the coffee shop in our Visitor Centre to exhibit art, paintings and photographs by local artists. 

We frequently host exhibitions of different artists’ work throughout the year. So, after a walk around the garden, why not ponder the paintings with a hot drink or over an afternoon snack? Many of the artists offer their work for sale, if a piece should catch your eye. 

If you are interested in exhibiting work of your own, you can express your interest by completing the following form.

For any other queries, please contact the Retail Office by calling +44(0) 191 334 9357 or  emailing shop@durham.ac.uk