Celebrating the Trees of St Albans
Celebrating the Trees of St Albans is a collective art project inviting the public to explore and celebrate the rich tree heritage of St Albans and its surrounding areas. Taking place across four days in February 2026, the project brings together workshops, participatory activities, and a collaborative exhibition focused on close observation, creativity, and connection with nature.
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Led by artists Judith Fear and Jess Distill, participants are invited to take part in hands-on workshops and contribute to a series of collaborative artworks, including a photo montage of favourite local trees, a frieze of winter tree silhouettes, bark rubbing installations, and M SS NG TREES — a photographic project re-imagining St Albans without its most significant trees.
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The project is open to all and encourages both active participation and quiet observation, culminating in a celebratory event and shared exhibition at the gallery.
Opening Times
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Thursday 5 February: 12:00 – 18:00
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Friday 6 February: 12:00 – 18:00
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Saturday 7 February: 12:00 – 19:00
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Sunday 8 February: 15:00 – 18:00
Workshops Schedule (Thu–Sat)
Two workshops run daily, with limited spaces (maximum 6 participants per session). Some timings overlap, allowing for light mix-and-match depending on availability.
Tetra Pack Printing (13:00 – 14:30)
Led by Jess Distill
A hands-on printmaking workshop inspired by the trees of St Albans, using recycled tetra packs.
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Booking required
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£10 per session
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Limited to 6 participants
Charcoal Tree Sketching (13:30 – 15:00)
Led by Judith Fear
A drawing workshop focusing on tree silhouettes and form, using charcoal and photographic references.
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Limited to 6 participants
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£10 per session
Participants are welcome to contribute their work to the collaborative exhibition and, if staying after the session, take part in the curating and assembly process.
Additional Participatory Activities
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Photo Montage: Submit a photograph of your favourite St Albans tree (drop-off or post by 5 Feb).
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Tree Frieze: Join in through workshops or sketch independently in Abbey Orchard.
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Bark Rubbings: Daily demonstrations (Thu–Sat), meet at the gallery at 12:15.
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M SS NG TREES: Contribute a photograph of a tree you would not want to see disappear.
Celebration Event
Saturday 7 February | 16:30 – 19:00
A shared celebration of the completed works, featuring spoken word performance and an open invitation to contribute poems or haiku inspired by the trees of St Albans.