Fen Ditton Gallery is delighted present the next exhibition in an ongoing series that highlights artists’ responses to the natural world. The Presence of Birds brings together eleven artists and makers whose diverse practices explore the enduring, intimate role of birds within our landscapes, imaginations, and everyday lives.

We are particularly excited to welcome two new artists to the gallery:
Young ceramicist Kate Sampson trained and worked in illustration for many years before turning her hand to ceramics. Now, combining both these practices, Kate focuses on traditional wheel thrown forms in stoneware, earthenware or porcelain, taking inspiration from her surroundings in rural Kent. Her work is heavily influenced by traditional folk art and themes centre around animals and the natural world.

Wynona Legg lives and works in North Norfolk and is a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists. Alongside her artistic practice, she is an ambassador for the endangered Ringed Plover, working with the RSBP to monitor and protect breeding pairs along the Norfolk coastline. Through her practice, she explores a personal and emotional response to these observations and encounters. Wynona will be giving a talk at the gallery about her work in the field and the conservation of plover later in the exhibition (more details coming soon).

Other works include: Engraved jewellery by Malcolm Appleby; slipware pottery by Fitch and McAndrew; printmaking by Sarah Gillespie, Rebecca Jewell and Kittie Jones; tapestry by Roger Law; paintings and drawings by Emerson Mayes and Nik Pollard; sculpture by Celia Smith

Exhibition dates: Saturday 14th March - Sunday 26th April
Special Preview Night: Thursday 12th March, 6 – 8pm (RSVP here)
Weekends 10am – 5pm / weekdays by appointment
Please note: We are closed over Easter weekend (5th / 6th April)