We talk to Art Rovers and find out about the Shout Out for Owls
We speak to Jo Goddard and Mimi Butler of Art Rovers who are seeking to raise funds for the Trust by means of a crafty Shout Out for Owls!
What’s your connection to Sussex Wildlife Trust?
Jo: Growing up in Sussex, I have visited your reserves all my life, especially Woods Mill. And also the fantastic Eridge Rocks, they are so sculptural.
It great to have these quiet spaces to go to as an artist, to see nature up-close and know it's being looked after. It's great what you do, keep up the good work!
As artists we go out into nature to gather inspiration and find peace - we are lucky to have so many places to chose from in the area. The Rottingdean Windmill, where we are holding an event this summer (more information below) is also within Beacon Hill Nature Reserve, with lots of flora and fauna to discover.
Tell us about Art Rovers and Roost at the Mill
Art Rovers is a community arts group who bring exhibitions and creative happenings to unusual buildings and places in Sussex. We are based in Brighton and this summer our event is called 'Roost at the Mill'. We work with groups of other artists. You can find out more about us from our Instagram feed.
How do owls fit into this?
We were drawn to owls because they look incredible and also they are in many folklore myths and traditional songs, the themes of our exhibition. The owl was often seen as a bringer of doom, but we see them more as a guardian of the night.
Jo: As a child I would collect owl pellets and loved Old Brown the owl in Beatrix Potter's story Squirrel Nutkin. He was silent but deadly!
Our 'Shout Out for Owls' is a celebration of handicrafts that people might remember. for example, macramé was a big craze in the 1960s and 70s. Far from being outdated, we think these crafts need embracing. Our aim is to get the most macramé (or crocheted, knitted or felted) owls displayed upstairs in the windmill in Rottingdean as we can, and any sold will raise money for Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Send your macramé and other crafty owls for our Roost at the Windmill event (more information here).
When and where is the event?
It's at Rottingdean Windmill on the weekend of the 20th and 21st July - inside and around the old windmill, up on the edge of Beacon Hill Nature Reserve. It's easy to get to and an amazing place, looked after by Rottingdean Heritage.
Who are the artists involved with Roost at the Windmill and what will they be selling?
Ourselves - Mimi Butler - illustrations and lino cuts, Jo Goddard - ceramic sculptures. Plus Jolene Karman - analogue photography, Karen Alicia Burt - paintings and drawings, and Cecily Kate Borthwick Jet, who makes felt owls and other birds.
Find out more here about Roost at the Mill