Artists invited to take part in Caithness online exhibition
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Artists with a Caithness connection are being invited to showcase their work online in the absence of the Society of Caithness Artists' usual summer exhibition in Thurso.
The 2020 show – which had been due to take place at the Engineering, Technology and Energy Centre from July 28 until August 7 – was cancelled last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The exhibition is the oldest of its kind in Scotland, and this year’s event would have been the 85th.
Chairman Ian Pearson says the society recognises the impact of gallery and exhibition closures on individual artists, so it has come up with an online alternative.
“It is important that artists continue to be creative for their wellbeing, and I also know how important it is to have an outlet for one's work," Mr Pearson said.
"Normally the society would be busy organising screens and plinths and planning for artists to bring their work to hang and display – but these aren’t normal times, so we have to react accordingly.”
The Society of Caithness Artists will not be taking any commissions from the online show. Visitors to the website will be invited to make direct contact with an artist of interest to them.
“Supporting local artists and all artists with a Caithness connection is at the heart of what the society has been doing for the last 85 years," Mr Pearson said. "To demonstrate just how passionate we are about helping the local visual arts scene, this online exhibition will be free to enter.”
Each artist can submit up to four pieces of work and images can be uploaded through the society’s website
The exhibition is scheduled to run from July 1 until July 31. The deadline for artists wishing to take part is June 15 and all images must be submitted by that date.
Mr Pearson added: “Unfortunately we cannot hold a preview, as we have done previously, but I am sure artists will use their imagination to explore the possibilities of a virtual refreshment celebration.”
He described Jacob Irvine, who has just started up his own business, Caithness Creative Design, as the "technical brains" behind the online exhibition.
Further information is available from Ian Pearson on 01847 895637 or email ian.pearson1@tiscali.co.uk
