Living Rivers: Free Community Art Exhibition

Living Rivers: Free Community Art Exhibition

22 April – 22 May 2026 | The Ebbisham Centre, Epsom

Welcome to Living Rivers, a free community art exhibition celebrating our deep connection to rivers and the natural world.

Living Rivers Free Community Exhibition, Epsom Square, The Ebbisham Centre 22nd April to 22nd May 2026
Launching on Earth Day, 22 April 2026, this month-long exhibit invites you to experience art that reflects the beauty, spirit, and challenges facing our waterways. Whether you're an artist, nature lover, or curious visitor, there’s something here for you.

We believe rivers are more than just flowing water, they’re lifelines for countless forms of living things, and their health is deeply connected to our own. We hope this community art exhibition reminds us of how beautiful our rivers truly are, inspiring action for their protection and well-being.

We’re openly inviting artists to contribute to the exhibition, we'd love to showcase your work! You’ll find submission details below.

If this has sparked your curiosity and you’re planning to pop by and enjoy the exhibit, follow us on social media or contact us by email for updates and event details.

Email: eeclimateactionnetwork@gmail.com
Facebook: Epsom and Ewell Climate Action Network
Instagram: eeclimateactionnetwork

TikTok: ee.climate.action

In the meantime enjoy this poem inspired by our rivers.

 

Living Rivers Art Exhibition 2026, Poem: The Song We Forgot: She skipped through the meadows,  She sparkled in rain,  Her song drifted sweetly  Through valley and lane. She watered the flowers,  She danced with the trees,  She cooled gentle faces In warm summer breeze. But dark, murky shadows  Crept over her skin;  Her bright, happy music Turned quiet within.  The fields lost their colour, The skies dulled to grey, And people grew weary With each passing day.  An elder came listening And knelt by her side, “The river is hurting,” He quietly cried. The villagers gathered And all came to see: Her waters were choking, Clogged deep with debris.  They rolled up their sleeves And vowed to defend, To care for the river, Their life-giving friend. Her waters grew brighter, Her song filled the skies, With otters and kingfishers Returning nearby.  The people grew stronger, Their laughter renewed, A promise remembered, A lesson they knew: “Care for the river, She’ll care for us too. Her song is our heartbeat, Forever and true.”  By David Ede
Come celebrate creativity, community, and nature, the Living Rivers Art Exhibition opens 22 April 2026. Save the date! 


Submission details:

A Month of Art, Community & Climate Awareness

We’re inviting students, schools, art clubs, and local artists to celebrate rivers through art. This joyful community exhibit launches on Earth Day, 22 April 2026, and runs until 22 May 2026 at the Ebbisham Centre, Epsom. Visitors will enjoy a vibrant showcase of river-inspired drawings and paintings, along with educational displays that highlight the importance of our local waterways.

Why “Living Rivers”?

Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s Is a River Alive?, we ask artists to reimagine rivers not just as landscapes, but as living beings. Through art, we hope to spark reflection and action on the importance of rivers to our health, ecosystems, and future generations.

Want to Exhibit Your Artwork?

  • Who can submit: Students, schools, local artists, art clubs
  • What to submit: A4 max, drawings or paintings (no sculptures)
  • Mediums: Paper, canvas, or participant form (A5 space optional)
  • Deadline: Friday, 27 March 2026 (before Easter)
  • Collection: We’ll collect artwork from schools/groups — no posting needed

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: 27 March 2026
  • Exhibition: 22 April – 22 May 2026
  • Collection: We collect from schools and groups

"The Song We Forgot"

“Care for the river,
She’ll care for us too.
Her song is our heartbeat,
Forever and true.”

Stay Updated

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