'Breath of fresh air' as Thurso art show physically opens
With many cultural performances being restricted to online only over the past year the chairman of a popular art show in Thurso talked about his delight in hosting a "physical exhibition" that will be open to the public from Thursday (May 27).
A "big step forward" in promoting visual arts in the county is taking place thanks to the Society of Caithness Artists (SCA) this week. In conjunction with Highlife Highland (HLH) the SCA has put together an exhibition of over 40 artworks at the Gallery in Thurso Library.
As the SCA chairman Ian Pearson explained: “After such a long time where there have been no physical exhibitions and galleries have remained closed, then it is like a breath of fresh air to see the Gallery in Thurso Library open.
"I am so pleased that many members of the Society of Caithness Artists took up the challenge to exhibit their work and show off what they have created during lockdown."
As well as paintings, the exhibition showcases sculptural work and all media displayed covers a diverse field from oils, watercolours, acrylics, pastels, newsprint, fibre, glass, pen and cold wax to name a few.
The SCA has over 100 members and this exhibition showcases just a few of the artists’ works. Covid restrictions have affected the showing of the work with all exhibitions being online this past year and this is the first physical exhibition since the lockdown, with HLH and SCA in partnership.
The work ranges from local scenes to representations of thought provoking subjects with local artists Don Clarke, Lisa Critchley, Anne Grain, Penny Irvine, Elizabeth Lay, Sheelagh Paterson, Aileen Paton, Jan Picking, Debbie Prentice and the chairman himself, Ian Pearson, showcasing his indomitable glass sculptures.
The exhibition is open until June 9 and the opening hours can be found on High Life Highland’s website at www.highlifehighland.com/thurso-art-gallery/
