The Forestry Commission’s Grizedale Forest Park is to stage the South Lakes’ largest open air art party later this month, as part of the national ‘Big Draw’ event.

Inspired by Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin, whose aim was not to teach people to draw but to see, ‘The Big Draw’ encourages people to explore drawing and create art in new and adventurous ways. 

Ruskin lived at Brantwood on the east shore of Coniston Water, just seven miles from Grizedale.

Ffor five hours, until 4pm on Saturday the 11th of October and throughout the term holiday (27th-31st October), families, adults and budding artists are being encouraged to show off their creative flair in the forest.

A range of hands on activities will be on offer, including craft making, charcoal burning and botanical drawing.  Drawing stations will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to experience art works in the forest and how they link with natural land formations.

Sue Kennedy, Education Ranger for the Forestry Commission at Grizedale Forest, said: "Our Big Draw event is a great opportunity for the public to enjoy the great outdoors and hopefully come away with new artistic skills.

“The activities on offer are designed to engage the public with art, nature and Grizedale’s unique landscape in a new and adventurous way.”

Experts will be on hand to encourage visitors to investigate the landscape around them and interpret their ideas through drawing. 

uided walks will allow visitors to look at the history of land art and find out more about ‘Art Roots Grizedale’, the Forestry Commission’s re-invigorated art programme.

'Art Roots Grizedale' is a forest based art programme designed to inspire and engage people with the development of art at Grizedale Forest Park and forge the link between contemporary art, sculpture and the natural environment. 

Grizedale was at the forefront in the development of art in the environment in the 1970s and the Forest is home to over 60 sculptures including works by Andy Goldsworthy, Sally Matthews, Richard Harris and David Kemp.

There are a number of routes through Grizedale Forest that give people the chance to see some of the sculptures free of charge. 

hey include the Ridding Wood Trail, which is suitable for the disabled and can be completed in one hour. The Silurian Way is nearly 10 miles long and takes around four to five hours to complete. 

More information about ‘The Big Draw’ 2008 and Campaign for Drawing can be found at www.campaignfordrawing.org.

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