Annual Caithness art show scheduled to go ahead as new website is launched
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THE Society of Caithness Artists has launched a new website aimed at keeping local artists informed about its annual exhibition as well as other activities.
At present there are no plans to cancel the 2020 show, which is scheduled to open at the end of July, although this will be kept under review as the coronavirus crisis continues.
Society chairman Ian Pearson explained that the website also captures some of the history of the organisation. Its summer exhibition in Thurso is the oldest of its kind in Scotland, with this year's event being the 85th.
“We hope everyone enjoys looking at the photographs of past annual exhibitions on the website," Ian said. "There are plenty of familiar faces to recognise and remember.”
The website also has an archive section showcasing exhibition catalogues from over the years.
"It’s amazing when one reads about artwork listed in exhibition catalogues from the past where paintings were segregated by media type – such that all watercolours were displayed on their own, separated from oils, and sculptures had their own specific table area," Ian said.
"Even toy models were exhibited and the amount of art was a fraction of the work seen today.”
He added: "One bonus in today’s world of restricted movements is that people can reflect on the past which may highlight memories of exhibitions they attended in years gone by.
“We are encouraging everyone to share their memories of previous exhibitions, either through the website or on the society’s Facebook page.”
One of Ian’s own memories involves hanging a huge oil painting that had been handed to him by an artist in a hurry. Ian didn't realise the paint was still wet... until his hand slid all over the freshly painted landscape.
The 2020 exhibition is due to take place at the Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre (ETEC) building at North Highland College UHI from July 28 until August 7 (3pm until 8pm, not Sunday). Handing-in day for artists is Saturday, July 25, between 10am and 2pm.
Ian said the society would review these dates in line with latest government advice regarding coronavirus.
Previously the exhibition has been held at Thurso High School. Last year it attracted 2500 visitors and 108 artists who displayed more than 400 works of art, 100 of which were sold.
The new website address is https://societyofcaithnessartists.co.uk
The site has been designed and created by Jacob Irvine of Caithness Creative Design.
