Forest Sculptures Exhibition

Until 14 February – Forest of Dean artist Phyllis Lewis will be telling the story of local life through her Forest Sculptures Exhibition, taking place at Dean Heritage Centre.

Anyone with an interest in Forest of Dean life won’t want to miss local ceramic artist Phyllis Lewis’ latest exhibition Forest Sculptures, taking place at Dean Heritage Centre from Saturday 6 December right through until Saturday 14 February.

The exhibition will include a collection of sculptures in clay, telling the story of Forest life from mining and charcoal burning to traditional suppers, the hard-up tree and sheep – described by organisers as capturing the past with humour.

Phyllis Lewis was born in the Forest of Dean and lived in the area all her life, originally training as a graphic designer at Gloucestershire College of Art and Design before reading ceramics and philosophy at Bristol University. In 1978 Phyllis joined Wyedean Comprehensive School as a ceramic teacher – with 14 years subsequent teaching experience giving her plenty of practice in the art form.

Witnessing the traditional Forest of Dean as she knew it dying out, Phyllis began her Forest Sculptures to record local and industrial features, local people and characters from her native environment. ‘The way of life was dying out and I wanted to catch it before it was all gone’, Phyllis said.

Telling stories such as the Pig on the Wall and depicting characters such as The Canters, the intricate detail of this charming work is sue to evoke memories for art lovers from across Gloucestershire.

Event: Forest Sculptures Exhibition
Venue: Dean Heritage Centre
Date: Saturday 6 December 2008 to Saturday 14 February 2009
Times: Daily from 10am to 4pm
Tickets: Admission to Dean Heritage Centre costs £4.90 for adults, £2.50 for children, £4.20 for concessions and £14 for families – valid for two adults and four children. Free for under 5s. Call (01594) 822170 for more information.

SoGlos.com
25 November 2008