THE very first item accessioned into the Nature in Art collection, before the museum was open, was donated by Elizabeth Gray. Now in her 87th year and still creating, hers has been the longest artist association with Nature in Art. This exhibition celebrates her work and her long standing connection to the museum!

Though never formally trained in art, Elizabeth has produced a remarkable and unique body of work of great diversity in terms of media and style, even using different names for some of her output. From a very early age she was producing accomplished pieces of art and it was clear that it was to be an important part of her life from the beginning. Whilst working as a recitalist and broadcaster she also illustrated books and magazines using pen and ink drawings and scraperboard.

This exhibition, for the first (and probably only) time, brings together a selection of her work produced over 70 years, including items produced under her other names, Ben Venuto and Emmie Gee. It is a unique selection embracing not just watercolours for which she is renowned, but also oils, original prints, glass, ceramics, metal, papier mache, plaster, textiles, painted furniture, decoupage, book binding and illustration, book writing, digital art and more. It is an inspiring demonstration of where an artists’ journey can take someone when they follow their heart.

Elizabeth has work in the permanent collection of the renowned Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in Wisconsin, USA, who commissioned her. She also has won medals from the Royal Horticultural Society. Exhibitions of her Ben Venuto original prints have been hosted at many museums and her work is held in collections internationally.

The fact that, along the way, through her work she has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity (including purchasing an aeroplane for medical relief work in Africa) is all the more remarkable.

Also as part of the exhibition, Simon Trapnell, Nature in Art's director will be hosting a special Wallsworth Evening on Tuesday 23rd June, starting at 7pm, where he will reveal how Elizabeth created many of her pieces.

Tickets £8 and need to be booked in advance. Call 01452 731422.

Elizabeth Gray: 70 Years of Art takes place at Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth from May 19 to July 5. Admission charges apply. For more details, please visit www.nature-in-art.org.uk