From a block of reclaimed timber to an owl on your desk

Running alongside the Ripples & Pulses Between the Rings exhibition, KFBG presents a special limited-edition full-day workshop: Carving Coexistence: Owl in the Tree Hollow Pen Holder Workshop, inviting you to connect with the warmth of natural timber and tune into the continuous, vibrant cycles of the forest ecosystem. Guided by Alvdalen, KFBG’s 2026–2027 Artist-in-Residence, participants work with timber reclaimed from routine maintenance at KFBG, practising the art of “subtractive” woodcarving. Following the grain, knots and growth rings, your hands will gently “release” a little owl tucked inside a tree hollow — transforming a solid block of reclaimed timber into a poetic, functional pen holder.

Beyond craft, this journey offers a profound reflection on forest habitats. A seemingly abandoned cavity is both a nocturnal guardian’s refuge and a catalyst for the forest’s web of life; as you shape this habitat with your own hands, you come to appreciate the deep bond between trees and wildlife, learning that safeguarding these natural shelters preserves hope for future generations. By the end of the day, you will take home a truly unique “Owl in the Tree Hollow” pen holder — a tangible keepsake of the forest’s narrative, resting on your desk as a daily, gentle reminder to tread with care and warmth upon the earth.

To enrich this full-day experience, participants also have the opportunity — depending on the day’s actual flow and arrangement — to join an in-depth guided tour of the Ripples & Pulses Between the Rings exhibition to explore the artworks and their poignant background stories. Additionally, the session introduces the unique ecological values and heritage of Hong Kong’s native tree species, allowing you to establish a meaningful connection with local forest ecosystems before putting chisel to wood.

The artists

Justin Chan & Vivian Law

Alvdalen | Justin Chan, Vivian Law

Alvdalen Atelier is co-founded by the wood carving artist couple, Justin Chan and Vivian Law. They believe every piece of wood carries its own unique living memory. Drawing on their interest in nature, animals and different cultures, they combine traditional carving techniques with their own creative approach to produce inclusive and warm wood sculptures.

They focus on bringing artistic sculpture together with everyday living aesthetics. For this year’s artist-in-residence programme, they are working with fallen trees at KFBG, transforming them through careful carving. Their aim is to encourage greater respect for both objects and the natural environment, helping people rediscover a gentler, more thoughtful way of living through the warm quality of wood. @alvdalen @bespecialshop

Session dates

Registration and enquiries

Before you book

• Fees paid are non-refundable except in the case of event cancellation due to inclement weather.

Related links

• Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP): an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.
• Nature Art Programmes: immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.
• Nature Education Programmes: become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.
• Group Guided Tours: led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
• Corporate Programmes: our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.

This workshop is part of Ripples & Pulses Between the Rings | Growth Ring x ALVDALEN Joint Woodcraft Exhibition.