This exhibition’s life started about 3 years ago, at a workshop where Kairos artists were making drawings outdoors, finding their attention focusing not on the visual but the audible, they were distracted by the incredible variety and beauty of the birdsong they could hear in an urban garden.

Recently the word “gokotta” was introduced to the group from a twitter feed “word of the day” from the author Robert MacFarlane. It is a Swedish word meaning to get up early in the morning to hear the birds sing. It seemed the right thing to call the exhibition.

Six artists have produced work in a variety of mediums, clay, textile, print, drawing and sculpture. The starting point was birdsong, but this soon led to each artist then taking on their personal investigations of the bird world in general.

The work is detailed, sensitive, it is playful and joyous, it tries to capture the essence of birdness. It is an emotive response reflecting the delight of spotting a wren in your garden, or hearing the chattering of sparrows in a hedge.

Alongside the exhibition, there is a programme of hands-on art workshops. Free family activity pack available throughout the show.

£4 per session. There is space for a maximum of 6 people per session. Morning workshops: 11.30am-1pm and Afternoon workshops: 2.30-4pm

Tues 6 March

Morning: Murmuration collage and printing

Afternoon: Clay bird tiles

Wed 7 March   

Morning: Origami birds

Afternoon: Applique Felt birds

Thur 8 March             

Morning: Making prints

Afternoon: Clay bird tiles

Fri 9 March

Morning: Chicken drawing from life

Afternoon: Clockwork bird drawing

Sat 10 March         

Morning & Afternoon: Mothers’ day cards

Sun 11 March      

No workshops but free cake if you bring your mum all day

Tues 13 March       

Morning: Applique Felt birds

Afternoon: Clay bird tiles

Wed 14 March       

Morning: Owls Drawing from life

Afternoon: Making prints

Thurs 15 March   

Morning: Applique Felt birds

Afternoon: Clay bird tiles

Fri 16 March       

Morning: Wall hanging painted felt

Afternoon: Wall hanging painted felt

Sat 17 March   

Morning: Easter cards

Afternoon: Easter cards

Sun 18 March 

Morning & Afternoon: Felt birds family

Tues 20 March  

Morning: Making prints

Afternoon: Clay bird tiles

Wed 21 March       

Morning: Japanese doll birds

Afternoon: Collage birds

Please ensure you book your workshops by text or email to Lucy Dean – mobile 07538 109417 or email ldean1961@outlook.com. Please pay on the day.

DC1 Café and gallery
Open Tues – Sun
11am to 5pm
Free entry to the exhibition