Twelve artists have been selected for a residency at the Harcourt Arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay, which takes place over the coming fortnight.

Six are from Oxford and two each are from France, Germany and Romania. They will be working collaboratively, with the intention of fostering a common European perspective within the body of the work they produce.

And the public - young and not so young - are warmly invited to watch the work in progress and to talk to the artists about how the creative processes work for them.

Flying creatures on wood by Helen Edwards captures well the spirit of the way the artists intend to work with the trees, shrubs and planting of the Arboretum. Work which includes Dancing at the Arboretum on Friday 10 and Saturday 18 July.

Saturday July 11 sees two children’s workshops. In the morning 11s and under can explore and collect natural materials, along with artists and use them to create sculptures both small and large.

And for those over 11 the afternoon affords the opportunity to explore the world of nature through photography with a view to creating a mask or costume. (Both workshops are free but booking is advised).

On Saturday July 18 the events of the fortnight culminate in an Open Day, when the finished work can be seen in situ, and there will be performances and installations throughout the day. These include a Black Box Safari where zoologist David Bass merges art and science by projecting magnified images of protozoa onto trees and their bark, creating a dialogue between different realms of nature.

Another is the intriguing sounding appearance of Sheepwoman during the afternoon. In addition to the rich programme on offer at the Arboretum there will also be an exhibition of the work of the mainland European artists at the Town Hall, Oxford, suitably entitled Branching Out, and a lecture at Modern Art Oxford Differences and Similarities for Practising Artists in Europe, on 14th July.

All in all the programme promises to be an exciting journey for both the artists and for us the public as we join them to undertake a creative journey that will be majorly influenced by the magnificent setting of the Harcourt Arboretum. The programme runs from July 11-18.

More information and bookings from Diana Bell on 01865 730110.