Olive & Plum 2025 Review: Art Workshops Worcestershire, Retreats and Conservation Impact
- Olive and Plum
- Dec 9
- 3 min read
2025 has been a year of firsts for Olive and Plum. As we step into a new chapter, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the people, places and creative milestones that shaped our opening year.
From packed art workshops across the UK to international retreats and conservation fundraising, it has been a year filled with learning, collaboration and friendship.
Art Workshops Across Worcestershire, the West Midlands and Wales
Throughout 2025, our Academy artists delivered a full schedule of workshops in Quatt, Hagley, Bridgnorth, Arley, Bewdley, Alcester and Wales. Each session focused on practical learning, supportive feedback and genuine artistic progress.
A highlight for many was meeting visitors during Worcestershire Open Studios, where we showcased work and connected with the local creative community. We also partnered with Bewdley Festival, leading three sell-out workshops and hosting the community event Paint the Day Bewdley.
Sketch for Survival: A Proud Moment for Our Academy
One of the defining achievements of our year came during Sketch for Survival 2025, where three Olive and Plum Academy artists were selected from more than 3,000 entries to exhibit at the OXO Tower Gallery in London:
Laura Jayne Smith – Top 10
Jess Pritchard – Top 100
Jaime Moore – Top 140
Their artwork helped raise awareness for global wildlife conservation, a theme that sits at the heart of everything we do at Olive and Plum.
Artist Achievements: Ambassadors and First Retreats
This year also marked two significant personal milestones within our team:
Jess Pritchard became a brand ambassador for Derwent, with her artwork appearing on limited edition coloured pencil tins.
Sharon Gibson hosted her first art retreat in Wales, taking an exciting step forward as a retreat leader.
Taking Teaching on Tour: Italy and the Cotswolds
Our resident tutors Jaime, Laura, Andrew and Sharon joined lead artist Sarah Stokes at our immersive retreats in Italy and the Cotswolds. Their support with lessons and retreat logistics ensured guests enjoyed focused, structured teaching alongside an unforgettable creative experience.
Our Conservation Commitment for 2026
Thanks to the support of our workshop guests, collectors and retreat participants, we are proud to be donating up to £30,000 in 2026 to the Kariega Foundation. This funding directly supports wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa, including species protection programmes for rhinos, big cats and other vulnerable wildlife.
A Fresh Look for Our Arley Studio
Our studio in Arley, Worcestershire has had a complete refresh this year. With new signage, a curated gallery and an upgraded workshop space, it has become a welcoming hub for artists of all levels from the Midlands and beyond.
Exciting Artist Line-Up for 2026
We’re thrilled to be bringing in a select group of respected UK and international artists to lead workshops at Olive and Plum in 2026. Alongside our Academy tutors, we will be joined by:
New workshops continue to be added. You can view the full line-up here:https://www.oliveandplumretreats.com/art-academy
Upcoming Art Retreats: Limited Spaces Remaining
Only 4 places remain for this extraordinary 8-day art and wildlife experience. Guests will stay at the exclusive Ukhozi Lodge and enjoy twice-daily game drives, river tours and the chance to sketch and paint South Africa’s most iconic species.
The retreat combines luxury, adventure and guided watercolour tuition with Sarah Stokes, giving artists the chance to deepen their skills while surrounded by breathtaking wildlife.
Set in a restored masseria surrounded by olive groves and close to the region’s famous white-sand beaches, this retreat offers a peaceful blend of culture, creativity and exploration.
Guests will develop expressive watercolour techniques inspired by Puglia’s baroque towns, coastal scenery and diverse wildlife. With only a handful of places left, it’s the ideal retreat for artists seeking inspiration and a slower pace.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our first year at Olive and Plum has been shaped by community, creativity and shared experiences. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has joined us in the studio, attended a retreat, supported our artists or followed our journey.
As we move into 2026, we’re excited to continue growing our Academy, expanding our workshop programme and deepening our commitment to conservation. We hope to welcome you into the studio or out on retreat in the year ahead.
If you would like to stay updated with new workshops, artist announcements and retreat opportunities, be sure to follow our latest updates on the Olive and Plum website.
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