Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has issued an open call to all artists – amateur and professional, local or international – to create original, nature-inspired artworks for a Postcard Show to be held at its largest nature reserve.

The Open Call has been issued in response to the way people have been seeking a connection with nature throughout the lockdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

To build on and capture this connection, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will stage an exhibition at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, near Retford, once lockdown restrictions allow.

To make the initiative accessible and to encourage as many artists as possible to take part, the call is for original artwork of traditional postcard size.

Speaking about the Postcard Show, head of people and nature at the trust, Trish Evans, said: We know that access to and a connection with nature is vital for our wellbeing and it’s been wonderful to see so many people seeking solace in nature during the past few months. Just as people have been inspired by nature during lockdown, we want this connection to inspire people to create new art.

“Artists can utilise any art technique or style such as drawing, textile, stencil, water colour or graphic design and material – as long as entries are A6 postcard sized.

“Whether you regularly enjoy a bit of visual art or wish to have a go at putting pencil, pen or brush to paper for the first time in a long time, why not have a go and take part? Nature is part of our life support and entries can be inspired by the wonder and beauty of the natural world, our relationship with nature in lockdown; the reality that nature needs our help or reflect view points of nature.”

Entry is free and The Wildlife Trust hopes by hosting a postcard show, with all entries being standard A6 size, the prospect of entering will be less daunting, even for first time or occasional artists.

Trish explained: “We aim to host an eclectic and stunning exhibition at Idle Valley Nature Reserve once the centre is open to the public again after lockdown. We hope this event will symbolise the value and importance of our connection to nature during this pandemic and the many wonderful ways we all see and interpret nature through creativity.

During the exhibition a number of awards will be announced, including:

The Wilder Award with a prize of £200 which will go to an entry chosen by an invited group of artists, curators, ecologists and staff and volunteers from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

The Optima Graphic Design Consultants Award, with a prize of £100 will be selected by the team at Optima Graphic Design Consultants, long-term supporters and regular creative collaborators in Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s campaigns.

A People’s Award, again with a prize of £100, which will go to an entry voted for by visitors to the exhibition.

After the exhibition at Idle Valley, the original artworks will be sold to generate income for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s charitable work and help local wildlife.

Entry is free and the deadline for artworks to reach the trust is Wednesday, 15th July. Details of how to take part, a template for entries as well as inspiration and ideas can be found online on the trust’s website.

The postcard show promotion also forms part of The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild campaign throughout June and the Trust will be profiling submissions and artists throughout the month and in the run up to the exhibition using the hashtags #WildArtPCS #30dayswild.

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