More than 200 works in Society of Caithness Artists' online exhibition
The annual exhibition by the Society of Caithness Artists will be held online for a second year because of uncertainty over Covid-19 restrictions.
Fifty-six artists are taking part in the show, which runs throughout July, featuring just over 200 exhibits – including a Stroma scene painted by Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay.
The exhibition traditionally takes place in Thurso but last year it became an online event for the first time in its long history. It was an instant success, with more than 1000 hits and nearly 20 artworks sold on its first day.
The society's chairman Ian Pearson explained: “Due to the uncertainty of the Covid restrictions in place at the time when our annual exhibition would normally be held, it means the planned event at North Highland College UHI in Thurso would not be practicable – thus the only option available is to hold the exhibition online."
The 86th annual exhibition will run from July 1-31 and can be accessed at https://societyofcaithnessartists.co.uk
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6 / 6"There are 56 artists taking part and this represents a large proportion of artists within the county – although the figure is slightly less than last year. This highlights the challenges facing all artists at this time, the main one being lack of motivation through minimal exhibition opportunities.
"Considering that some artists have faced dark days of trying to find inspiration, the work on display is particularly colourful and in one way demonstrates the resilience of arts in Caithness at this time.”
Mr Pearson added: “We are very pleased that HRH the Duke of Rothesay has agreed to exhibit with us his painting of abandon crofts on Stroma and we appreciate his support to the society which he has continued for many years."
Mr Pearson pointed out that the online show features a wide palette of media including fibre, oils, watercolours and glass.
"The subject matter shows a limitless imagination at work and I am immensely proud that this exhibition has not shied away from tackling some political themes which will find a connection with viewers," he said.
All work in the exhibition is original and created by artists with a Caithness connection. Most of it is for sale.
The online exhibition coincides with a redesign of the society’s website to ensure visitors to the site can easily navigate to their particular interest. This includes information and advice to artists on how to compose artists' statements and biographies.
The gallery on the website displays photographs from the society's archives, illustrating its history as one of the oldest art societies in Scotland.
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