Each summer, the wonderful Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre in Conwy runs an Open Art Competition and Exhibition, attracting artists from all corners of the UK. The theme is nature, the environment and conservation, and the entries span all genres and mediums, making for an engaging, thought-provoking and often awe-inspiring exhibition.
This year, I submitted my needle-felted picture, which I’m over the moon to report was given the award of ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges. My piece was entitled:
2,300 Species: the Oak of Hope
2,300 Species: the Oak of Hope. My needle-felted picture entry to the 2026 Pensychnant Open Art Exhibition
…and below is the accompanying text that appeared in the exhibition’s catalogue explaining the title and the meaning behind the piece:
To sit with an old oak tree is to be offered a portal into another world. Each is a little nature reserve of its own, providing food, shelter, support and a home to an astonishing 2,300 (and counting) species of animals, birds, insects, plants and fungi. Even when they die they become an Aladdin’s cave of biodiversity. And that’s not all; since Celtic times the UK’s oaks have been rooted in our history, culture, literature and folklore. They are part of our heritage, but they need our help. If we can protect these living national treasures and our remaining ancient woodlands, the oak trees will play their crucial part, within our increasingly fragile ecosystem, to protect us.
The exhibition opened on Saturday 4th July, and will run every weekend until Sunday 27th September, so you’d be very welcome to visit Pensychnant and enjoy all the art, explore the nature reserve and enjoy some delicious tea and cake on the lawn.
I’d like to thank the judges for giving my picture special recognition, and I’m thrilled to report that 2,300 Species has sold. All of the art pieces that have sold will remain in place until the exhibition closes, so everyone can view the entire collection in the unique and historical setting of Pensychnant House.
The piece is on display above the fireplace in the sitting room of Pensychnant House.
Finally, a special thank you to Mark, who bought my picture. I hope it gives you joy and hope for many years to come. We could all do with a little more of that these days!
Maddie Templeton 