AN exhibition exploring themes of nature, landscape, ecology and community opens in Bridgwater today.

The display, HIVE, has opened at The Bridgy Gallery and brings together work by more than 20 artists.

A special launch evening event tonight (September 18) – featuring art, dance, conversation and Somerset fayre – will take place in the gallery from 7pm to 9pm, giving people the chance to meet the artists, connect with others, and enjoy the exhibition in style.

Meanwhile, the free-to-attend showcase runs until October 17 as part of a programme of events supported by the Bridgwater Town Deal throughout the year.

HIVE is curated by artist and creative producer, Sami Green, and features a mix of painting, sculpture, installation and mixed media, with work from artists including:

• Holly Foskett – an artist-writer-gardener and sculptor whose work explores kinship with the natural world, sacred ritualism, and seasonal folklore.
• Rachel Watkins – a 3D textile artist, deeply inspired by the natural beauty of the Quantock Hills, working with natural fibres.
• Ken Church – a Bridgwater, Chandos Society artist, with a passion for capturing local landscapes and moments in time in a variety of mediums, including Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pen and Glass mosaic.
• Plus a new wave of young and emerging talent from across Somerset

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Sami said: “At its heart, HIVE is about connection – to the natural world, to each other, and to the creative spirit that lives in all of us.

“It’s about seeing what we can make, together. This exhibition is a celebration of that spirit, and we’d love the community to come and be part of it.”

Jeremy James, from the Bridgwater Town Deal, added: “We’re proud to support projects like HIVE that champion local creativity and make arts and culture accessible to all.

“It’s exactly the kind of event that reflects the ambition and community spirit of Bridgwater’s future.”

The popular Swarm textile bee installation, created by the Bridgwater community, will return as part of the exhibition, along with additional bee-making workshops on September 27 and October 4.

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