Free summer art workshops celebrate Constable's Wivenhoe Park

A special free series of family friendly arts workshops will give people the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Wivenhoe Park this summer.

The Art in the Park sessions are being organised by the University of Essex’s Art Exchange gallery and will include treasure trails, circus skills, animal sculpture making and painting in the park. There is also the chance to be taken on a walking tour by celebrated wild writer James Canton.

These outdoor arts activities are suitable for all ages and provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the historic parkland painted by artist John Constable in 1816. They are supported by funding from Essex County Council’s Arts and Cultural Fund.

Jess Twyman, Curator (Exhibition and Public Programme) of Art Exchange, said: "We are excited to open up Wivenhoe Park to local communities. We have seven family friendly arts activities planned which will be perfect for exploring art and culture in the local area in the summer holidays!"

Jess has worked with local artists, writers, and theatre companies to create seven afternoon workshops which will “open up” Wivenhoe Park, encouraging participants to become immersed in nature while enjoying the vistas and exploring their own creativity.

Local artist Clare Iles will lead one of the workshops. She said "John Constable’s painting, Wivenhoe Park, explores the scenery of the park and pays tribute to its wildlife and animals. Our workshop will respond to Constable’s painting, exploring animals collectively, beginning with cows and swans and including other animals using simple leftover and recycled materials to create anthropomorphic forms."

Wild writer Dr James Canton will lead visitors on a tour of Wivenhoe Park, stopping at intervals to reflect and read from his influential book The Oak Papers. 

He said: "A gentle walk about the glorious natural landscape of Wivenhoe Park will see us stopping at some of the finest trees to write, reflect, hear tales of the ways in which humans and trees have interacted over time."