Visual Arts Scotland

Exhibition Schedule Now Online

2010-12-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Call For works; Visual Arts Scotland Annual Open Exhibition
Submission Dates; Mon 17^th Jan, 12pm – 7pm, Tues 18^th Jan 10am – 4pm
Royal Scottish Academy (Upper Galleries), The Mound, Edinburgh

Submissions are sought from artists in all disciplines for Visual Arts Scotland’s annual juried exhibition. Prizes totalling over £5000 include the Richard Coley Prize for sculptors over the age of 50 (£500), the Russell Trust Award for an emerging artists (£1000) and the VAS award for applied arts (£500). There will also be a dedicated showcase for Artists Books in this year’s exhibition and submissions in this area are actively encouraged.

An application form can be downloaded here and labels for your work can be obtained in advance by sending an A4 SAE to;
The Administrator, Visual Arts Scotland, 12 Rosevale Place, Edinburgh, EH6 8AP. Labels and forms will also be available in the gallery on the submission days.

info@visualartsscotland.org

2010-11-29T03:23:00.000-08:00

Submissions are sought from visual and applied artists in all disciplines.

Receiving Days;

Mon 17th Jan, 12pm - 7pm

Tues 18th Jan, 10am - 4pm

Royal Scottish Academy

The Mound

Edinburgh

EH2 2EL

For full details, application form and labels send an A4 sae to;

The Administrator

VAS

12 Rosevale Place

Edinburgh

EH6 8AP

Shades of Autumn, Tyminghame Town Hall

2010-10-08T02:26:00.000-07:00

Patti Lean

2010-10-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

an exhibition of paintings

by Patti Lean

at The CatStrand, New Gallowayon Saturday 2nd October 2010 from 11am-1pm The exhibition continues until Thursday 4 November. The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN01644 420374info@catstrand.com http://www.catstrand.com/ The CatStrand is an operating name of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust Ltd, a Registered Scottish Charity, No. SC032050

AGM - Sunday 3rd October, Patriothall Wasps

2010-09-02T03:47:00.000-07:00

NOTICE OF AGM
Notice is hereby given that the AGM of VAS will take place at 2pm on Sunday 3rd October at WASPS Studios,1D Patriothall, Off Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AY.

For all VAS members the AGM is an opportunity to have your say in how your organization is run, to be informed about the financial position of the society and how your membership fees are being spent, and to socialize and network with other VAS members over a glass of wine. For professional members there is also a chance to vote on elections for new professional members, new council members, annual exhibition hanging, and awards committees. This year elections will be held for the positions of 3 professional council members. If there are any issues you feel the society needs to address, or you have an opinion to express you can raise a movement for discussion at the AGM by contacting the administrator in advance.

Professional Membership Elections
Existing professional members are invited to nominate and second artists they consider of merit for election as professional members of VAS. Artists wishing to apply for professional membership may approach two existing professional members for proposal. All applicants must have sponsorship from two existing professional members (a full list of members can be viewed on the members page of the blog).

Council Vacancies
All professional members are invited to make nominations in advance of the AGM to fill vacancies arising on the Council. 3 Council members are due to retire.
Nominations are invited for 3 Professional Council members.

Enthusiasm and commitment are highly valued and the more skills the Council has at its disposal the better. Membership of Council can be up to 3 years and the Council meets about 10 times a year to discuss, plan and organise the society’s activities and exhibitions. This is often hard work but rewarding.

Committees
Nominations are invited from professional members for the Annual Exhibition Hanging and Arranging Committee, which should consist of members from a range of disciplines.

Nominations are also invited from professional members for the Annual Exhibition Awards Committee. This consists of the President, one council member, three professional members; one painter, one sculptor and one applied and installation artist.

Motions
Any professional member wishing to submit a motion for discussion or raise any issues at the AGM should do so in writing or by e-mail to the administrator in advance of the AGM.

WEBSITE MAINTAINANCE

2010-08-27T02:13:00.000-07:00

Please note that the VAS website is currently undergoing a complete overhaul and will be unavailable while we perform vital upgrades. In the meantime any important bulletins will be posted here. When the website is up and runing agin we hope you will see marked improvements in both the appearance and function of the site.

While the website is down you can contact VAS at beccavisualarts@googlemail.com.

Call For Entries

2010-06-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

SALON ART PRIZE – Call for entries
Since 2007, Matt Roberts Arts has produced the annual Salon Art Prize, exhibiting 244 artists and photographers and receiving over 2800 visitors.
We are currently seeking applications for the fourth annual Salon Art Prize, in which we will support artists working in Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Collage, Sculpture and Installation (including sound).
The selection panel will consist of:Peter Bonnell (Curator, ArtSway) Kate MacGarry (Director, Kate MacGarry gallery) Richard Birkett (Curator, ICA)
We expect to exhibit up to 100 works within our 1000sq ft gallery. We are also awarding one artist the Selectors' Prize supported by John Jones, which consists of £1000 and a solo show at our gallery space on Vyner Street, East London, in 2011.
The deadline for applications is 5pm, Saturday 7th August, 2010.
For further information please visit http://www.salonartprize.com/or email salonartprize@mattroberts.org.uk

Di Hope - The Secret Life of Objects

2010-05-24T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Secret Life of Objects

New Paintings by VAS President Di Hope

The Open Eye Gallery

34 Abercromby Place

Edinburgh

EH3 6QE

http://www.openeyegallery.co.uk/

Friday 28th May to Tuesday 15th June

Though I speak With The Tongues of Men and Angels

2010-04-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Patriothall Gallery

WASPS Studios

Hamilton Place

Edinburgh

8th - 18th May 2010

2010-04-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

ESSA are proud to present the third Auction of Fine and Applied Arts in association with Lyon and Turnbull Fine Art Auctioneers.
ESSAs principal purpose is to raise funds to meet the costs of leasing the galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy for the societies’ annual exhibitions. The generosity of Scottish artists in donating works for past auctions (in 2002, 2005 and 2007) has enabled the societies to mount their exhibitions at the RSA over several years.
We are grateful to the National Galleries of Scotland for making the RSA galleries available at less than cost. Nevertheless, costs continue to rise inexorably, and ESSA needs to find nearly £30,000 per annum to mount the annual exhibitions. Proceeds from fundraising activities such as this constitute our only source of income, and we now need to raise a substantial sum to enable you to continue to show your work at the RSA in future years.

In The Loop; Knitting Now

2010-04-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

In the Loop: Knitting Now features VAS's invited artist for 2010, Deirdre Nelson, and explores the progression of knitting, a craft which has come a long way from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing motifs on Christmas jumpers. Now there are knitting groups that meet in quirky venues throughoutthe country, as well as hundreds of clubs and contemporary artistsintent on reclaiming the craft. In the Loop maps knitting’s journeyfrom solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream, contemporary trend.

March 2010
Paperback
192 pages109 colour and b/w ills
28 x 23 cm / 9 x 11 in
ISBN: 978 1 906155 96 4
UK: £24.95

Subject to Change Without Notice*

2010-04-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

Will Foster and Guyan PorterIntermedia, Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art
16.04 - 25.04. 2010Opening: 16.04.2010 19.00 - 21.00
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE aims to confront, challenge, deneutralise, magnify and make visible those tiny little sentences that could be detrimental to your expectations as a consumer, and your rights as a citizen.
‘Small print – noun. 1 printed matter in small type. 2 inconspicuous but binding details or conditions printed in an agreement, advertisement or contract.’ Oxford English Dictionary, 2009
In SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, Will Foster and Guyan Porter will take up residence in Centre for Contemporary Arts, Intermedia for a two week period. The artists will create a laboratory, focusing on ‘making small print visible’ in the production of a series of texts, prints and digital research.
CCA Intermedia will be transformed into a publicly accessible centre for researching, exploring, reconsidering and re-presenting the enormity of small print and ambiguous text that floods contemporary society. By confronting and magnifying these subliminal texts, the artists and participants will make visible what is usually meant to go unread or unseen. This will be achieved through a range of methods including hand painted and screen printed posters and signs taking the print out of the art gallery and disseminating it through new and established networks.
Will Foster and Guyan Porter have both developed significant bodies of work in the areas of socially and politically engaged art, organising shows, events and lectures throughout the world. In 2008 they initiated the project Protest Songs, carrying out a series of sixteen performances on the Fyksusund Fjord in Norway. With the upcoming project SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE the artists will further develop the themes that have characterised their collaborative projects. This time within the context of a contemporary art gallery and under the banner of an international art festival. The Artists will provide a stage for participation and dialogue inviting others to explore the complex subject of ‘small print’- an element of media and institutional output that is ever present yet often overlooked.
http://www.subjecttochangewithoutnotice.com/
changewithoutnotice@gmail.com

2010-04-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

2010-04-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

At The Kings Castle

2010-04-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

24th April - 4th May
PV Fri 23rd April 6-8pm
WASPS Patriothall Gallery,
1D Patriothall,
Stockbridge,
EH3 5AY

An exhibition of new work by Katharine Aarrestad, Bryony Knox & Sophie McKay Knight. Painting, printmaking & silvermithing.
Open 12pm to 5pm daily.

Fife Artists and Maker Forum

2010-04-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday 17 April 2010, from 10am to 4pm

Rothes Hall, Glenrothes

FCA&C (Fife Contemporary Arts and Crafts)are delighted to be able to offer an even bigger event this year, thanks to funding they've received from Celebrating Fife 2010. As usual, the day is open to all artists living or based in Fife, but this year it will also be open to artists living outside Fife.

The theme for 2010's Forum is 'Sustainability - Looking over the Horizon'. There will be talks on how to sustain yourself as artists and also on how to sustain the planet with your art practice, in other words going from the personal to the global.The venue is again Rothes Halls in Glenrothes, for which they are grateful to the Arts and Theatres Trust Fife, and the date for your diary is Saturday 17 April 2010, from 10am to 4pm.

Confirmed speakers include Emma Walker of Craftscotland (talking about how to get the best out of the press for your work and practice); Dr Emilia Ferraro (from St Andrews University's Sustainable Development Programme); Glasgow based artist Justin Carter; and Simon Murray, one of the 'co-realisers' of Platform London's 'C Words' project (carbon, climate, capital, culture) held at Bristol's Arnolfini ini 2009.

There will also be a chance to discuss a potential skills' exchange idea and even a practical art opportunity to take part in (optional!).The day is completely free including lunch and refreshments.Full details plus travel guidelines will be sent out to you nearer the date.

If you have any queries, please give us a ring on 01334 474610 or by clicking on the link http://www.fcac.co.uk/ you can find out more about FCA&C.Booking is essential and you can download a booking form by clicking on the link http://www.fcac.co.uk/artist_resource/

The deadline for booking is Thursday 15th April. As artists and craftmakers yourselves you may find it to be a wonderful opportunity to be able to attend this day. CAD will be there supporting the event also.This event is for EVERY artist this year, book by Thursday and meet everyone by Saturday......

VAS Annual Open Exhibition 2010

2010-02-11T01:16:00.000-08:00

Visual Arts Scotland is pleased to once again present its Annual Open Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy. Submissions from members and open entrants spanning visual and applied arts disciplines will be shown alongside the work of invited artists Tim Morgan and Deirdre Nelson to promote the quality and diversity of the arts in Scotland.

All works in the exhibition are for sale.

VAS Annual Open Exhibition
20th Feb – 18th March 2010

Royal Scottish Academy Lower Galleries
The Mound
Edinburgh

www.visualartsscotland.org
www.visualartsscotland.blogspot.com
info@visualartsscotland.org
07979 924744

Catalogue List

2010-02-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

You can see the full list of exhibits for the forthcoming VAS Annual exhibition here;

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/visual-arts-scotland/web/Catalogue%20List.pdf

*edit; there have been issues with accessing this file for many of you, I thinkI have resolved the problem now.*

Image; Kirsty Whiten, 'Hostage (Out Cold)'

Final Collections of Unselected Works

2010-02-10T00:40:00.000-08:00

There will be a second collection day for the works that were not selected for the exhibition this Saturday, 13th February, from 10am - 4pm.

By this time you should have had notification about your work either way. If not please get in touch by e-mail; info@visualartsscotland.org, or by phone, 07979 924744.

Another update

2010-02-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

After an extremely busy week the list of exhibits for the Annual Open Exhibition has been finalised. If you have not heard from us yet please continue to be patient and we will be in touch by post next week no confirm whether or not your work has been selected.

We continue to receive a high volume of calls and are doing our best to answer where possible and to clear a backlog of voice messages. If you can't get hold of us by phone do try email instead.

Thankyou all for your patience and understanding at this busy time.

Notifications and collection

2010-02-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

An update for all artists who have submitted work to the Annual Open Exhibition;

Letters were sent to those whose work was not selected on Wednesday night and should be with you by Saturday morning if not sooner.
We are receiving a very high volume of calls at the moment, please be patient and wait to hear from us. If you are leaving a message on voicemail please clearly state your name and phone number.
The selection process is almost complete but there are a few works still undecided. Final decisions will be made over the weekend and letters will be sent next week advising you of the results and whether you have to come and collect your work.

Annual Exhibition Submission; Information For Artists

2010-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that the submssion days for the VAS 2010 Annual Open Exhibition are looming ever closer:

Mon 1st feb, 11am - 4pm
Tues 2nd Feb 10am - 4pm

If you are intending to submit works please note the following points:

If you don't already have forms, labels etc you can collect them on the submission days from the gallery.
Works should be delivered to the Lower Galleries via the back entrance of the RSA.
You can park to the rear of the RSA buliding for long enough to deliver your work only. Normal parking restrictions apply to the precinct. VAS will take no responsibility for parking fines incurred. There is free shoppers parking nearby off St Andrew Square.
You should be prepared to come and collect your work on Sat 7th or Sun 8th Feb in the event that it is not hung in the exhibition. We cannot store works beyond these dates.
We cannot recieve submissions by post, they must be delivered in person or by an agent.

VAS Annual Open Exhibition 2010

2010-01-12T10:06:00.001-08:00

Textiles by Deirdre Nelson cross boundaries between traditional craft and contemporary art. Hand skills are transposed though the work in a humorous commentary on social and textile history within the contemporary gallery. The work employs a variety of techniques and materials, fusing traditional textile skills and contemporary reinterpretation.

In stark contrast Tim Morgan’s architectural sculptures comprise thousands of hand-cut glass rods bound together with a steel belt, forming enclosed, light transmitting forms. Fragmented, crystalline patterns emerge, splintering the scene on the far side.

All works in the exhibition are for sale.

VAS Annual Open Exhibition; 20^th Feb – 18^th March 2010
Royal Scottish Academy Lower Galleries, The Mound, Edinburgh

info@visualartsscotland.org, 07979 924744

SHOP at Edinburgh Printmakers

2010-01-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

14 January to 23 February 2010

Come and visit our new shop packed full of unique and affordable artist books, multiples, cards, mini prints.Art lovers looking for stunning artwork for their home, or a gift idea for that special person can browse through hundreds of hand-made artists prints which are available for sale in a wide range of subjects, styles and sizes, with prices ranging from as little as £50 up to £3000; we offer free expert advice on buying prints for domestic and commercial interiors.

Featured Artist: Bronwen Sleigh

What’s hot in the shop?
JURA: DIH-RAH/AN DIU RATH. A limited edition artist book by David Faithfull and John Burnside. £75.00 RRP

Also Showing:
Prints Published by Edinburgh Printmakers:
David ShrigleyScott MylesToby PatersonChad McCail
0% interest free OWN ART loans are available to make investing your money in original art more affordable.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm, Admission is Free

If you require assistance with physical access or interpretation, please contact us prior to your visit.

23 Union Street,

Edinburgh,

EH1 3LR,

Scotland

+44 (0) 131 557 2479

gallery@edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk

http://www.edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk/

SALON VIDEO ART PRIZE - Open for applications

2010-01-06T01:18:00.000-08:00

Matt Roberts Arts in London are currently seeking submissions for the inaugural SALON VIDEO ART PRIZE selected by Mike Sperlinger (Assistant Director - Lux), and Zineb Sedira (artist working in Photography, Video and installation).

40 - 50 artists working in video and video installation will be selected for the first of our annual video 'Salon' exhibitions that will take place at our Project Space, Unit 1, 25 Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG, opening on Thursday 4th March, 2010.There is a selectors' prize of £800 for a chosen exhibitor.Please visit http://www.salonartprize.com/ and read the section marked 'How to apply'.

The deadline for DVD submissions is 5pm, Saturday 23rd January, 2010. If you have any questions please email salon10@mattroberts.org.uk

HOTPOT; Art, Food & People

2009-12-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

23rd January - 7th March 2010
St Andrews Museum

Twelvebytwelve

2009-12-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

AMBER ARTS, 78 MONTROSE TERRACE, ABBEYHILL, EDINBURGH

Antonia Gallacher . Adam Wallace . Elaine Russell . Elise Chisholm . Hazel Vellacott . Jemma Derbyshire . Thomas Chisholm

Private View – 12.12.09 2pm-4pm
Open daily until 24.12.09 – 10am-5pm
Enquiries/to view work visit www.jemmakderbyshire.com/page8.htm

2009-12-09T02:10:00.000-08:00

Affordable art at 46a George Street : Only until 24th December!

Canvas is a pop-up gallery hosted by VAS, SSA and RSW. The exhibition will open at 46a George Street on Saturday and run 7 days a week until Xmas Eve with the objective of raising £30,000 needed to pay rental costs at the RSA for the Societies' annual exhibitions in February 2010. There are big names at small prices, a stunning selection of jewellery, and over 600 works in total ranging in price from £20 - £2000.

Annual Exhibition 2010

2009-12-09T01:50:00.000-08:00

VAS Annual Open Exhibition 2010 : 20th Feb - 18th March 2010 : The Royal ScottishAcademy Lower Galleries : The Mound : Edinburgh : EH2 2EL

Sumbissions are welsome in all disciplines. For a submission form and labels non-members should send an A4 SAE to the Administrator at 6/8 Newhaven Road, Bonnington, Edinburgh, EH6 5PU. Forms and labels wil also be available at the venue on the submission days.

Hand in Dates: Mon 1st Feb, 11am - 4pm and Tues 2nd Feb 10 am - 4pm.

Where: The Royal Scottish Academy Lower Galleries, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL.

Contact: Rebecca Pollard : info@visualartsscotland.org

Gracefield Handback

2009-11-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

If you submitted work for the VAS members exhibition at Gracefield in Dumfries please remember to collect it from the venue where you dropped it off this Saturday, 14th November, between 11am and 3pm.

Many thanks,
Becca

Norman Cherry - Isomorphs, New Mutations

2009-11-10T13:09:00.001-08:00

Opening 5.11.2009, 6pm 6-25.11.09, Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm.
ISOMORPHS - NEW MUTATIONS is the latest collection of work by Norman Cherry, exploring the continually developing theme of Isomorphism in which obviously different objects display similarities of form or characteristic. The pieces of jewellery which Norman Cherry has created over the past three years have a common genesis - a summer residency at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, in Portland, Oregon, USA. Recognisably similar forms have been variously deconstructed, reconstructed, and reinvented as components or features of new jewels which, although different, are all recognisably visually related. Mainly abstract in appearance, the most recent creations of the series have begun to mutate slowly into a more particularly narrative form, each with a specific story to tell.

Remember ... Six Friends in November

2009-11-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Exhibition in Penicuik
VAS member Ulla Hipkin and friends have put together a lively mixed exhibition in the Penicuik Arts Centre, 2-4 West Street until November 28, open 10 - 16 Mon - Sat. Raku sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, knitted landscapes, photographs &poems, and paintings. 'Paradise Lost and Regain'd' Exhibition in Peebles Chambers Institution Gallery, High Street is on until 7 November showing innovative art works about the environment, climate change and pollution by Aine Divine, Ulla Hipkin, Michael Jessing, Fiona Maher, John Rogers and Kenneth McQueenie.

Studio Vacancy at ESW

2009-11-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Solo Studio available: call for applications
Deadline for applications: Monday 23 November 2009
Solo Studio Now Available for 1 year short term let

A solo studio at ESW is available for a lease period of 1 year from 1 December 2009.The monthly rental rate is £89.32 per month, payable by standing order (this forms part of the studio licence holder’s agreement). Preference will be given to artists working in sculpture, but please call Gordon Munro, Assistant Director, if you would like to discuss this further.

How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this vacancy, please complete the attached Application Form and send with the following:-
8 images or examples of your work in jpeg or dvd form
current CV
artist’s statement

Please send applications by e-mail to gordon@edinburghsculpture.org or by post to:
Gordon Munro
Assistant Director
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
25 Hawthornvale
Newhaven
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH6 4JT

URGENT AMMENDMENT TO POSTCARD EXHIBITION DEADLINE

2009-10-29T02:26:00.001-07:00

Dear members, it has come to my attention that in my haste to post out the ESSA fundraising exhibition information I have put the wrong date for the deadline of postcard submissions. The final date for posting back cards is December 3rd and not November 3rd as stated in the letter sent out. My sincere apologies for the confusion. Please relay this information to any other VAS members you are in touch with.

Becca Pollard

VAS Administrator

VAS @ Gracefield

2009-10-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday 26th September - Saturday 6th November
Gracefield Art Centre
Edinburgh Road
Dumfries
http://www.artandcraftsouthwestscotland.com/

The VAS exhibition at Gracefield is an opportunity for the Society to reach out to it's members and art lovers outside of Edinburgh, and to widen it's remit to a bigger geographical region. 115 works of art are on show representing the breadth of talent in Scotland, encompassing both traditional and contemporary methods in 2D and 3D, craft and fine art.

A purchase prize of £500 was awarded to Jenny Smith for her innovative laser cut 'print'.

Image; 'Family Unit' by Clare Waddle

Craft Scotland presents 'The C Word'

2009-10-06T06:09:00.001-07:00

The C Word is the new campaign from craftscotland, designed to create discussion and interest in Scottish craft around the UK.
We will showcase contemporary craft and craft designers/makers at work. The campaign will examine the creativity, skill, time and effort spent designing and making craft, and will show that craft is unique, modern and desirable.
The ad will be screened on STV and as a trailer in Scottish Cinemas in conjunction with Pearl and Dean. Among the artists featured are VAS members Libby Day, Lara Scobie, and Julia douglas, Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson as the collaboration 'A Wee Bit of Light Relief'.

Affordable Art Fair

2009-09-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

22nd - 25th of October

Battersea Park

London

The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is the place to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculpture, hotography and original prints – all priced between £50 and £3,000. With 120 carefully selected galleries from across the UK and Europe exhibiting there is contemporary art on show to suit every taste and budget.

The forthcoming Autumn Collection (22 – 25 October) in Battersea Park, London, marks AAF’s 10th anniversary.

When Will Ramsay set up the fair in 1999 his aim was to make contemporary art accessible to everyone and to show you don’t need to be an art expert or a millionaire to enjoy and buy art. Ten years on the fair is still a relaxed and fun way to browse a huge variety of art at one time.
AAF is a great place to spot fresh, new talent – look out for the Recent Graduates’ Exhibition at the front of the marquee which features our selection of this year’s fine art graduates. The Education Programme offers free activities suitable for all ages, including hands-on printmaking workshops, sculpture demonstrations, an open access drawing space and kids activity packs. And for those who prefer to listen The Contemporary Art Society are running a series of talks about collecting art.

Book your tickets now for fast track entry and to save £2.

Several VAS members will be exhibiting at this years Affordable Art Fair including ceramicists Craig Mitchell and Rebecca Wilson.

ART WALK on West Port & Grassmarket

2009-09-23T03:12:00.000-07:00

Friday 25 September - Sunday 4 October 2009

Venues: shops all along West Port and the Grassmarket including the Owl & Lion Gallery, The LOT and the soon to be opened ART ROCK HOSTEL (located at the old Salvation Army building in the Grassmarket near the Vennel stairwell).

Opening times: During normal business hours Monday to Sunday, hours at the Art Rock Hostel and the LOT posted on location (some shops closed on Sundays). Continuing from the success of last year’s inaugural Art Walk on West Port – where artworks are displayed in the windows of businesses along this popular shopping street – Lorna’s Art presents the second year of the project, now extended into shops in the Grassmarket.

In a unique and exciting community exhibition, over 30 shops will proudly display in their shop windows artworks by students and recent graduates from Edinburgh College of Art. An exhibition programme will be available from each participating business. The programme will include a map showing all the participating shop locations along with the name and contact information for the artist(s) on display. The exhibition has been curated and organized by Lorna Pirrie, Year 4 Drawing and Painting, Edinburgh College of Art. Lorna’s goal is to bring artwork to the public in unique way, one which benefits both the students and the local community. It also provides a first glimpse of the freshest work being produced by current students and graduates of Edinburgh College of Art.

Talking about the success of last year’s Art Walk on West Port, local businesswoman Susan Mcmanus, owner of Lily West florist on West Port says: ‘The Art Walk generated a lot of interest. We had people coming in to the shop for the first time, intrigued by the art work in the window. The project is a great idea to promote the work of Edinburgh College of Art students and the area’s local shops and amenities.’

For further press information and images please contact: Catherine Bromley, Press
Officer, Edinburgh College of Art, Tel 0131 221 6089 or 07843 626 042; Email
c.bromley@eca.ac.uk

2009-09-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

After a year of hard work the reputed flower painter has moved in to her new studio at Ladybank Station, Fife. Ladybank Station is an A-listed Victorian Station , still functioning on the Edinburgh/Dundee and Perth/Edinburgh lines. She has renovated these unused rooms on Platform 2 to become large bright studio rooms, full of character. Here she is making her beautiful flower paintings, running art workshops and holding occasional exhibitions.

Studio Launch Dates

Kirsty Lorenz invites you to the launch weekend of her new Artist Studio in the Old First Aid Rooms, Platform 2, Ladybank Station in the rural Howe of Fife. 11am to 4pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2009.
Meet the artist, view the space. Paintings, Prints and Light refreshments.
Ample parking in or around the station.

Other news

BBC Scotland will be interviewing Kirsty as the first artist in scotland to have a studio on a train station platform, to coincide with the launch of her studio.Perthshire Open StudiosKirsty is taking part in the Perthshire Open Studios at the Touchie Gallery along with Suzie Johnson.

Painting Classes

Submerge your creative self in an abundance of beautiful flowers, inspiring images and art materials and create your own flower portraits with the help of Kirsty's support and experience. The workshops offer the chance to learn from the reputed flower painter in her bright, unusual and inspiring studio in the 'Old First Aid Rooms' on Platform 2 of Ladybank Station in the rural Howe of Fife. www.kirstylorenz.com/pages/art-classes/info-on-classes.php

Final Call for Entries: Aesthetica Creative Works Competition

2009-08-18T01:19:00.001-07:00

The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is internationally recognised for identifying new artists and writers and bringing them to international attention. 2010 will be the competition's third year and previous finalists have achieved success and recognition with accolades including: writing commissions from Channel 4, selection to represent Australia in the Florence Biennale, exhibitions at DACS (London), John Martin Gallery (London), Flores Fine Art Gallery (New York), inclusion in the International Drawing Competition exhibition (Poland) and the National Geographic International Photographic exhibition. The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition represents the scope of creative activity today, and provides an opportunity for both new and established artists to nurture their reputations on an international scale. The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition seeks entries of Artwork, Photography & Sculpture, Fiction and Poetry Three winners will be awarded £500 each Additional prizes include an Olympus E-420 SLR camera and a boutique holiday for two All finalists will be published in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual, in stores December 2009 Entry to the 2009 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is £10 This allows you to submit up to 5 images, 5 poems or 2 short stories Closing date to receive Creative Works is 31 August 2009 For full details please visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/submission_guide.htm

Joyce Gunn Cairns @ The Smithy

2009-08-18T01:16:00.001-07:00

Penicuik Arts Festival

2009-08-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

Penicuik Arts Festival 22 August - 6 September 2009
If you have not already got the programme, please pick up a copy from Midlothian Libraries, Penicuik Arts Centre, Penicuik Town Hall and many shops, or phone 01968 672 706. There are lots of exhibitions, concerts and other events.
The Arts Festival Ceilidh is on the first Saturday, 22 August, in Penicuik Town Hall, 7.30 pm, £8, £4 children.

Susie Goodwin - Curiouser & Curiouser

2009-08-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to Dunbar Arts Hub’s Curiouser & Curiouser! This is the second Dunbar Arts Hub event of the summer celebrating a wealth of local creative talent - bringing the arts to Dunbar High Street! with exhibitions, happenings, performance, contemporary traditional crafts, music rhyme and song. It is a collaborative event and everyone can feel free to contribute; By producing knitted, crochet, quilted or even felted… cup cakes – the queen of hearts tarts - fish or cucumber sandwiches! A feast to adorn our table - and then for exhibition and sale. They can also dress the part – as a Great Scot or as a character from Alice to partake in our curious tea party - umbrellas optional The project is based on the idea that perhaps it is possible for any place to be whatever we believe it to be and the two week event features contributions from contemporary artists and makers, the Tyne Esk Dunbar writers, Dunbar Sings, Dunbar Lyric Group and local musicians. Opening at 1pm on Sat 22nd Aug with the outdoor performance Great Scots Come Home to the Mad Hatters Tea Party and the Hub at 85 High Street Dunbar will open daily 10 till 6.00 for two weeks closing event on Sun 6th Sept

Research for contemporary visual arts in Fife

2009-08-18T01:05:00.000-07:00

Dunfermline Arts and Media (DAM) is a voluntary arts group which is undertaking research on the need for a contemporary visual arts facility in Dunfermline. The research has uncovered a unique opportunity to provide an arts centre for Dunfermline and which would also be an asset for all of Fife. Dunfermline Fire Station is a listed Art Deco building which will be sold in March 2010 and would provide accommodation to suit an arts/creative centre. The fire engine garage could be considered to be a perfect custom-designed gallery! The centre would provide a gathering point for artists/creatives, an exhibition venue for local work and incoming exhibitions, workshops/classes, artists’ studios and offices to rent, retail outlet, cafe and conference room. The research is seeking views and support from the Fife (and wider) artistic community. The survey can be accessed on the DAM website www.thedam.org.uk.

Alison Burt & Hazel Vellacott @ Newhailles

2009-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

ARTISTS AT NEWHAILES

Newhailes has opened its doors to two Scottish artists as part of a novel “artist-in-residence” project. Alison Burt and Hazel Vellacott, both painters, are drawing inspiration from the extraordinary collection at Newhailes, as well as the unique conservation methods employed at the property. The fabric of this fascinating house is a rich source of material for an artist’s imagination: from the untouched layers of pigment on the walls, to the vast library which once played host to glittering, late night parties.
The work will be on show at the newly renovated gallery/education room at Newhailes from Friday 28th August 2009, running until the end of the season. The artists will be present to speak about their work from 2 – 4pm on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August. More information and a preview of work in progress is available at http://www.hazelvellacott.com/.

Christina Kernohan - Gammell Buttiken

2009-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Photographer Christina Kernohan’s Solo exhibition GammelButikken (Old Store in Norwegian) is on show at The Saint.Gammel Butikken explores a remote and abandonedold store located deep in the Norweigan Arctic Circle.Once the epicentre of daily life in the remote islandsof the north, the store now lies disused and dormant.The Lofoten Isles had no connective tunnels or bridges until the1980’s, therefore the gammel butikken’s on each island wereparamount to the communities, keeping everything frommedical supplies, groceries to fishing nets, porcelain and coffins.They were the post office, weather station and off-license.The unit now sits untouched, solitary in the landscape. One of the last of it’s kind in the country. Christinasensitively documents the space and the narrative it contains. Her work quietly speaks of hidden presence.

Sarah Kettley - Aeolia

2009-08-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

part of Reveal/Reset 5 August - 5 September 2009

New Media Scotland's presentation of supported projects 2008-2009

Weds - Sun 10am - 6pm

Aeolia explores the aesthetic development of sensor integration into fabric structures for wearable computing concepts, and a series of embroidered, knit and woven pieces based on the musculature and sinews of the human back are presented as proposals for design directions. An implemented garment designed to capture the specific movements of cellist Peter Gregson indicates the future direction of the work with sound output.

Pittenweem Arts Festival

2009-07-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

1st-9th August 2009

Several VAS members will be participating in this years festival including Robert Cairns, Craig Mitchell, Jenny Pope and Jennifer Pettigrew.

A picturesque fishing village, with narrow wynds running down to the working harbour, Pittenweem’s unique atmosphere has attracted many artists over the years. The Arts Festival, which is in its 27th year, always starts on the first saturday in August and ends on the second Sunday. The Festival hosts both well established artists and newcomers. Some of the past invited artists are mentioned in the archive. There are over 100 artists exhibiting in the village in houses, garages, studios, gardens and anywhere that has wall space. There is also the Open Art Exhibition to view. These exhibitions, including the invited artists, are all free to visitors to the Pittenweem Arts Festival.

VAS is Blogging!

2009-07-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

We thought it was about time we got on board with this blogging business so that we can more effectively keep you up to date with forthcoming events and opportunities. Follow the blog for details and updates on VAS's own ventures, and also for details of members' exhibitions and events.

Members - email me (info @ visualartsscotland.org) details of anything exciting that you are up to, or that you think other VAS members would like to know about and I'll post them here.