The festival will take place from Good Friday [29 March] to Easter Monday [1 April] from 10 am to 5 pm.
Visitors to the festival will see sculptures and artwork by over 30 local artists – the largest number to exhibit - made from stone, ceramic, wood, metal, and wire, including a rearing horse, resting deer, grazing sheep and classical figures.
Along with regular artists, a number of South West Sculptors will be displaying their work together with art students from UWE Bristol, who will be exhibiting ceramic slugs and a prehistoric creature. Margaret Crump will be showcasing her hand built stoneware clay ceramics; batik artist, Jo Whiteland, creates large colourful batik paintings inspired by her love for the natural world; award-winning nature photographer, Daniel Callejo Ross, developed his passion for photography using nature and art whilst living in Bristol and artist and illustrator, Jo West's interest the world of fine art was inspired by the works of the impressionists.
Nick Wray, Curator of the Botanic Garden, said: "I am delighted we are hosting the festival once again. It's a great opportunity for local West Country artists to exhibit their work – many who live and work in Bristol and know the garden well.
"The festival aims to showcase the harmony between art and nature with unique hand crafted sculptures, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. Our visitors will have the opportunity to be inspired and enjoy the work on display in the garden as spring beckons with blooming trees and vibrant colours of the flowers."
During the event visitors can view and buy sculpture and artwork, enjoy demonstrations and have a go at willow weaving, wood turning, pottery and stone carving with experts on hand to give tips and advice.
Bristol stone mason, David Davidge, is part of the team restoring the University's walls and masonry structures. He interprets stone to create natural figures and images by carving and chiselling until the preferred form and finish is achieved. David will be offering visitors a chance to try this art.
Tez Roberts of Labyrinth Arts will be giving potter’s wheel demonstrations and offering visitors an opportunity to try their hand. She uses a variety of firing methods with Raku and stoneware being her preferred mediums.
Willow weaver Maya Wolf will also be teaching visitors her craft and helping them create willow sculptures to take home.
Wood turner, Geoff Hannis, will be demonstrating his green woodworking skills. He turns objects using his foot-powered lathe with hand-held tools to cut a shape that is symmetrical around the axis of rotation. The wood then dries and takes on its own form.
Other sculptors returning this year with new creations include ceramicists Karen Edwards and Renee Kilburn; Adele Christensen and Aurora Pozniakow (glass art); Joanna Williams (blacksmith artist); Hayley Jones (3D wire sculptures) and Frankie Hudson (mosaicist).
There will be free guided tours of the garden throughout the festival and people will have the opportunity to see the spring flowers and learn about the plant world, including many exotic tropical useful plants in the large display glasshouse.
The Friends of the Garden will be selling plants on site, and refreshments will be available on the West Terrace.
The Easter Sculpture and Arts Festival at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden at The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Bristol, BS9 1JG, will take place from Good Friday, 29 March, until Easter Monday, 1 April, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry to the Botanic Garden Easter Sculpture and Arts Festival is adults £10 with gift aid (£11 without); £5 to University staff and retired staff; Free to Alumni, Friends of the Garden, ALL students, children under-18 and carers of visitors.
Tickets can be booked in advance through the online shop.