Art / Ceramics
‘The Great Mushroom Make Off’ to be exhibited in Westbury on UK Fungus Day
A free community project conceived and hosted by Wot Pots in Westbury-on-Trym has seen 1000 people engage in a series of ceramic workshops over recent months.
From their studio at The Westbury Wildlife Park, The Great Mushroom Make Off has invited participants of all ages and backgrounds to come and craft mushrooms out of clay.
Each one is unique, reflecting the diversity of form, colour, texture and pattern that mushrooms can display.
is needed now More than ever
With funding support from The British Mycological Society, the initiative was created with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complex role played by mushrooms in the ecosystem.
Uptake to the idea surpassed all expectations. “We were thrilled to witness the incredible response,” says Jenny Ashby, Wot Pots founder, who hopes this to be the first of many collaborative projects with Westbury Wildlife Park to promote creativity and raise environmental awareness.
“It’s heartening to see how pottery can serve as a platform to educate and inspire people about the wonders of nature but also bring people together and improve wellbeing.
“The project showcases the power of art to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and build connections with the local community.”
Westbury Wildlife Park will be exhibiting the results of the project at a special event on October 7, coinciding with UK Fungus Day.
Alongside the 1000 mushrooms, a selection of large mushroom sculptures will be on display, made by community potters.
There will also be foraging tours, Fungi talks, music, craft, locally sourced mushrooms on sale, and an evening light display to represent the underground mycelium network.
The Great Mushroom Make Off will be showcased at Westbury Wildlife Park on October 7, UK Fungus Day. For more information and tickets, visit www.wwpf.uk.
All photos: Wot Pots
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