Exhibition hopes to inspire connection with nature

A collection of black, white and black and white feathers all placed in front of a colourful painting inside a room with cream walls.
Eight artists were invited to work on the nature-focused project [Karen MacKelvie]

An art exhibition has been launched that hopes to encourage people to reconnect with nature.

Jeni Cairns and Karen MacKelvie are due to run the Imaginal Field exhibition at Peterborough Museum until 29 March.

Eight artists were invited to produce work in a five-acre (two hectare) Fenland field while inspired by their surroundings.

Ms Cairns said seeing her solo pieces in the museum was "special" and the other exhibits showed how artists "listen to the earth".

The field was once farmed by Ms Cairns' family and later planted with a wildflower mix.

Wildlife, including kestrels, buzzards, red kites, tawny and little owls, then began to visit the site as the field bloomed.

Jeni Cairns and Karen MacKelvie standing arm in arm in front of a brown wall inside. Jeni is wearing navy overalls over the top of a black and white striped T-shirt with long sleeves. She has brown hair tied behind her head and is smiling. Karen is wearing a brown knitted jumper over a navy top. She has shoulder length, light brown hair and has her mouth open in excitement.
Jeni Cairns and Karen MacKelvie are hoping artists will be inspired by the nature surrounding them [Karen MacKelvie]

Ms MacKelvie hoped the project, funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, could inspire others to reconnect with nature and not use it for personal gain.

"We can do so much just with small little things and then feel more connected," she said.

"We want to take care of [nature] more, but also enjoy it and feel better in ourselves."

Over a year, artists will have residency at the field and work to create art based on the area's heritage.

A trellis-type metal artwork that has birds, grasses and a moon sculpted into it. It is positioned in the centre of the art gallery, with other exhibits on the white walls.
This trellis-type piece showcasing nature was created by the project group [Karen MacKelvie]

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