Launch of a major new environmental art project

Otterton Mill in East Devon announces this week the launch of a major new environmental art project at the Mill which is being supported by funding from the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the Sustainable Development Fund. Located in the Mill's orchard and wildlife conservation area adjacent to the River Otter, the new "Habit Art" exhibition is a fabulous opportunity for established and emerging artists to highlight the important debates about our environment.

Otterton Mill owners Simon and Caroline Spiller are partnering with celebrated environmental artist Serena de la Hey to plan and implement the exhibition which will be launched this Easter. According to Simon, the Habit Art concept will dovetail habitat management with art to produce 3–dimensional art works that are stand alone but also provide a new micro habitat. "The installations may support a single species or create a new micro–ecosystem. The works will be designed to prompt questions about where we are going in our relationship with nature, indeed the planet" he said. "Through this project we aim to push the boundaries on the way we celebrate local art and sustainability at the Mill" he added.

The Spillers chose to work with Serena de la Hey on the project because of her strong reputation as an environmental artist and due to her commitment to art education. "We are delighted Serena is leading this initiative at the Mill. She has the experience to help us attract both leading artists and students who can ensure we create a dynamic and unconventional exhibition" said Simon. Serena said she was very pleased to have the opportunity to work with local artists to create an innovative project that will challenge preconceptions about our relationship with the environment through unusual artworks. She was attracted to the project by the Spiller's commitment to using their wildlife area for environmental education after it was devastated in freak flooding in October 2008. "Otterton Mill is a wonderful place in a beautiful setting and a very busy visitor attraction with over 150,000 visitors each year. We are therefore providing a unique and important opportunity for artists who want to reach a wider cross-section of the public with their environmental message. We also hope it will be a showcase which encourages other businesses to provide similar opportunities for art and education" she added.

This project has been awarded funding support from the Sustainable Development Fund managed by East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. "We are thrilled the project has been recognised by the East Devon AONB Partnership for its strong environmental message and educational agenda" said Simon. "These funds will help us rejuvenate our wildlife area and enhance its conservation message after it was devastated by floods last year. In addition to the Habit Art exhibition, we also plan to use the orchard to run environmental art workshops and bush craft demonstrations for schools and youth groups, as well as the general public."

Three art students from neighbouring Bicton College in East Devon have already been chosen to do installations for the Habit Art exhibition which is scheduled to be launched this Easter. However, space for at least two professional artists are still available. Artists or groups who would like to express interest in doing an installation or running environmental rkshops in conjunction with the exhibition should contact Serena de la Hey on 07767 684303 or via habit.art09@gogglemail.com.

Otterton Mill is located between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth on the River Otter. It features a one thousand-year-old working watermill, celebrated restaurant, gallery and artist studios, artisan bakery, award-winning food shop and music venue. Opening hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm daily (plus 7:00pm to 11:00pm in the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays from 20th March). Tel: 01395 568521

Date added: Monday 16th February 2009
Latest updated: Monday 16th January 2012