Community art exhibition at iconic Sussex forest

The four joined together to create this stunning collection available for the public to view, and entry is free.

They are:

· Gill Bustamante, a Sussex-based oil painter with a Fine Art degree and a long professional career painting the landscapes and wildlife in the Southeast.

· Darren Slater, a self-taught East Sussex artist whose work draws inspiration from the surrounding countryside while embracing the imaginative possibilities of fantasy.

· Claire Tomlinson, a local wildlife artist who grew up in Dormansland and spent much of her childhood exploring Ashdown Forest, which continues to hold a special place in her heart.

· Photographer Gerry Lee, who was passionate about taking photographs of native birds, wildlife and other flora and fauna from the Ashdown Forest. Sadly, he passed away on August 8 2026 after a long battle with kidney disease.

Niamh Maloney, Visitor Experience and Volunteer Development at Ashdown Forest, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting in our Visitor Centre, and we are sure that people will want to come and view what's on display.

"The work from all four is of the highest quality, with a special feel about why Ashdown Forest really is iconic.

"It's a beautiful area, and the exhibition brings the Forest to life in such a very special and poignant way.

"We are, of course, saddened by Gerry's death, but we are privileged to exhibit his amazing work. Gerry lived locally to the Forest.

"The mezzanine area where the exhibition is located is accessible only by stairs. We have compiled a viewing book for the ground floor, so that those unable to access the mezzanine can see the work on display and read more about each of the exhibitors."

The exhibition runs until January 18, 2027. Prints and other merchandise by each of the four will be available to purchase at the Centre while the exhibition is open.

Visitor Centre opening hours are:

· Monday to Thursday: 9am-5pm

· Friday: 9am-4.30pm

· Weekend & Bank Holidays: Opening times are subject to volunteer availability.

More about each of the four:

Gill Bustamante – Combining semi-abstract techniques, Gill has sold more than 1500 paintings online/in galleries over the course of her career and thousands of prints. She works mostly from memory and is inspired by the ancient landscapes of England. She said: "My ultimate purpose with my painting, apart from simply the thrill of creating it, is to inspire others to want to better protect the wildlife, birds and landscapes they see. This desire to help nature rather than just abusing it is becoming stronger globally and I am happy if I am helping to promote this."

Darren Slater – Combining references to woodland landscapes with elements of myth, storytelling and the unknown, he creates paintings that blur the line between real and imagined worlds. Through these scenes, Darren invites viewers to explore places that exist somewhere between memory, nature and fantasy.

Claire Tomlinson - A self-taught artist, she paints mainly in oils and uses a variety of textures to bring images to life.Her concern for the environment has led her to investigate ways of painting in an eco-friendlier way. Claire now makes her own non-toxic and environmentally friendly paints, using natural earth pigments and either walnut oil or a plant-based acrylic medium.

Gerry Lee was originally from Lanarkshire Scotland. He worked as a countryside worker on Ashdown Forest until 2014 and trained as Countryside Ranger with East Sussex County Council, while also gaining an NVQ level 2 from Plumpton Agricultural College in Environmental conservation in 2010. One of his many passions was photography. His photographs on display will be available to purchase, and all proceeds will be donated to the Forest.