The metalwork, stained glass, steel, wood, paper and glass sculptures will be sited in strategic positions around the garden forming a sculpture trail. Each area has been carefully chosen to create a site of unique character in which the artists will display their work.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the garden, the sculptors taking part in the exhibition include Willa Ashworth, Nigel Cann, Reece Ingram, Jude Goss of Lucian Stained Glass, Susan Long, Susan Lovatt, Metalgnu: Julian P Warren, Pete Moorhouse, Aili Purdy, Adele Christensen and Patrick Small.
The artists will be on site over the weekend to talk with visitors about their work.
Nick Wray, Curator of the Botanic Garden, said: “We are delighted to host the first exhibition of sculpture at the Botanic Garden displaying a wide variety of beautiful, inspirational pieces of work from talented artists.
“In the garden visitors will be able to see many plants flowering earlier than normal, thanks to the recent warm conditions. We look forward to welcoming everyone over this Easter weekend.”
The Botanic Garden has a strong evolutionary theme and cultivates over 4,500 plant species forming four core collections that illustrate plant evolution, plants from Mediterranean climates, useful plants and rare and threatened native plants to the Bristol area.
Star attractions include an amazing dell demonstrating the evolution of land plants including the dinosaurs’ favourite plants: ginkgos, cycads, tree ferns, monkey puzzles and Wolly, the Wollemi Pine. Other delights include the Chinese and Western herb gardens and an inspiring display of plants illustrating floral diversity.
Sculpture at the University Botanic Garden will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Good Friday, 6 April until Easter Monday, 9 April. Light refreshments will be available.
Entry to the Botanic Garden and sculpture exhibition is £3.50 adults; free to University staff and retired staff, Friends of the Botanic Garden, students and children under 16.