Environmental artist James Owen Thomas opens gallery
James Owen Thomas with Monty Don
Environmental artist James Own Thomas (JOT) has opened a new gallery in Pateley Bridge.
JOT's Gallery, located at 2A High Street, it features a range of his sustainable art.
JOT is known for his passion for the environment and creating arts out of discarded and recycled materials. As an ambassador for The Tree Council, JOT helps to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourages young people all over the country to become a ‘Force for Nature’.
After being nominated by The Tree Council, JOT was named as one of 26 ‘One Step Greener’ ambassadors for COP26. He was invited to a Downing Street event hosted by the Prime Minister, sharing his work as an artist before attending COP26 in Glasgow.
Richard Pollard, National Schools Programme Manager for the Tree Council, visited the gallery and then JOT’s former Nidderdale High School, for a joint workshop with a group of pupils who have a keen interest in nature, art and the environment.
JOT spoke recently on BBC2 Gardeners’ World about being Artist in Residence at Fishpond Wood in Bewerley, and the importance of being out in nature to health and wellbeing. JOT was lucky enough to meet Monty Don, who will be recording a video message for the gallery opening.
“I have strong feelings about protecting our environment, so I like to recycle whatever I can into my artwork. I have always been fascinated by colour and pattern, and scratch cards seemed to develop my enjoyment of collage. The sorting, tearing, cutting and hole-punching process provides me with the materials and colours that I need.”
JOT’s instantly recognisable form of environmental art also won him a national award in 2019 at the ‘RHS Britain In Bloom Awards’ ceremony in London. The artwork he designed for ‘Pateley Bridge In Bloom’ is still proudly displayed on wooden planters along the High Street.
For more information, please contact art@jamesowenthomas.com
JOT’S Gallery,
2A High Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5AW and www.jamesowenthomas.com
