The grounds of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church will be brought to life with a stunning audio-visual art installation developed by Focal Studios and The Bombed Out Church’s community engagement team. Inspired by traditional Chinese folklore, the ‘Wood Dragon Garden’ has been developed in collaboration with Pagoda Arts, the Bombed Out Church and local artists.
Acting as the centre piece for the garden, a 7ft high driftwood dragon sculpture depicting the wood dragon will be crafted by local artist Judith Herring using pieces of up-cycled wood and driftwood. Reflecting the city’s wider Lunar New Year narrative, the dragon will possess a large, enchanting pearl, illuminated from within.
Building on the success of the Zhezhi Rabbit display for Lunar New Year 2023 and staying true to our commitment to harness creativity for positive change, we are excited to announce our collaboration with over 30 local schools and community members for 2024. Together, we will create a surge of shimmering leaves to encircle the dragon sculpture, serving as the focal point of this enchanting installation.
Using their creative work to foster positive ecological change, Focal Studios have enlisted the help of Mersey Forest to deliver workshops on creating plant pots, alongside the giveaway of baby tree whips to visitors over the weekend.
The Mersey Forest will be part of the celebrations at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church during the daytime, timings to be announced.
Each day The Mersey Forest will be giving away 500 baby tree whips for people to plant at home. This is a great way for people to play their part in helping to grow the Mersey Forest and will be a reminder of their weekend celebrating the Chinese New Year.
There will be a Tree of Hope to capture peoples’ thoughts and views on trees and woodlands in their community and where they’d like to see more. This information will feed into The Mersey Forest’s Plan, a strategic guide to the work they do with partners across Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Mersey Forest team will also be sharing the benefits of their Natural Health Service, which harnesses the power of the natural environment to improve both mental and physical health. The service offers activities such as health walks, mindful contact with nature sessions, horticulture therapy and practical conservation sessions.
Friday 9th February:
Open Day inside the church walls 11am-4.30pm (donation on entry)
Mersey Forest Workshop: 3pm-5pm (last entry 4.45pm)
Arts Installation: 3pm-5pm (last entry 4.45pm)
Arts Installation & Light Projection Show: 5.30pm-9pm (last entry 8.50pm)
Saturday 10th February:
Open Day inside the church walls 11am-4.30pm (donation on entry)
Mersey Forest: 12pm-5pm (last entry 4.45pm)
Movema Community Dance Show: 4pm-4.10pm
Arts Installation: 11am-5pm (last entry 4.45pm)
Arts Installation & Light Projection Show: 5.30pm-9pm (last entry 8.50pm)
Sunday 10th February:
Open Day inside the church walls 11am-4.30pm (donation on entry)
Mersey Forest Workshop: 11pm-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Arts Installation: 11pm-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Arts Installation & Light Projection Show: 5.30pm-9pm (last entry 8.50pm)
Times may be subject to change
About artist Judith Herring:
Judith Herring is a seasoned artist with a background in graphic design and illustration. For over two decades, she has graced galleries with her paintings and has recently ventured into installation art and furniture upcycling.
Inspired by coastal treasures gathered from New Brighton and Crosby beach combing expeditions, Judith crafts immersive stories using driftwood and found objects. Her contemporary furniture mirrors, lighting installations, collages, and quirky beach cottages reflect a unique blend of craftsmanship and narrative.
In a bold stride towards larger-than-life expressions, Judith’s commission to create a monumental dragon installation not only showcases her mastery of scale but also underscores her commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration.
Details:
- Drinks (hot, cold & alcoholic) will be available to purchase
- Hot food will be available to purchase on Sunday
- Merchandise will be available to purchase
- This is predominantly a card only site for purchases, please bring one to avoid disappointment
- The art installation & light projection show is open air while The Mersey Forest’s activities will take place under cover
- Both the workshops and the installation are fully wheelchair accessible
- For any further information about the event or if you have specific access requirements, please contact [email protected].
Please be mindful this is an outdoor venue and the grounds are uneven and slippy when wet. The inside of the church can also get muddy too. Please dress for the weather and choose suitable footwear and clothing to keep you warm.
This event has been specially commissioned for the Lunar New Year Celebrations 2024 by Culture Liverpool.
Event Date: Friday 9th February 2024 - Sunday 11th February 2024
Categories: Chinese New Year | Lunar New Year
