THE large, stunning, colourful collages by James Owen Thomas on permanent display at Mackenzies in Blubberhouses near Otley have already attracted widespread attention and praise.

From March 2 and on the first Saturday of each month, visitors will have the opportunity to see James demonstrate his unique form of environmental art in his new gallery space on the first floor. His Giclee prints, cards and other merchandise are on sale in the downstairs shop at Mackenzies.

Ilkley Gazette: Reconnecting with NatureReconnecting with Nature (Image: submitted)

On Saturday, March 9 between 10am and noon, he will be hosting the first in a series of art workshops for all ages (cost £15 per adult, £7.50 per child). Bookings for the workshops can be made via www.mackenziesyorkshirefarmshop.co.uk (Tel: 01943 880369).

James has made his name as an artist who transforms unwanted and discarded materials such as lottery scratch cards, tickets, single use plastic and packaging into expressive, creative works that highlight the issues faced by our environment and the problems we need to address.

Since James was appointed by the Tree Council as a Force for Nature ambassador, he has been able to spread the message to young people across the country that we must all do more to help our planet before it is too late.

Ilkley Gazette: This winter scene has recently been created for the Yorkshire Arboretum at Castle Howard. It was collaged using shredded and torn pieces of old Christmas cardsThis winter scene has recently been created for the Yorkshire Arboretum at Castle Howard. It was collaged using shredded and torn pieces of old Christmas cards (Image: submitted)

James’ profile was further raised by an invitation to meet the Prime Minister at No10 Downing Street, a significant presence at the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow and an appearance on BBC Gardener’s World hosted by Monty Don. A book about James’ life, his autism and his art has been commissioned by Bloomsbury and will be published early 2025.

Ilkley Gazette: Árbol de la Vida, Tree of Life is made with Spanish scratch cards Árbol de la Vida, Tree of Life is made with Spanish scratch cards (Image: submitted)

His work has been called “truly inspiring and thought-provoking” and he has been described as “an artist with a different vision and innovative way of working.”

Ilkley Gazette: A framed print of this collage was given to the Prime Minister with the message: ‘At Twilight – but not too late in the day we hope to save the planet’A framed print of this collage was given to the Prime Minister with the message: ‘At Twilight – but not too late in the day we hope to save the planet’ (Image: submitted)

Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café is at Wood Nook Farm, Hardisty Hill. Blubberhouses, Otley LS21 2PQ James’ future exhibitions will include: The Art of Recycling at the Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard YO60 7BY (March 22 – 28 April) and Horticap, Otley Road, Harrogate HG3 1QL (September 30 – December 22).