North Coast Artists hold Thurso auction
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THE inaugural sale of paintings, glass sculptures and jewellery by a newly set up local arts collective will take place at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso on Wednesday (September 25).
The public are invited to visit the hotel's ballroom to see work by eight local artists, calling themselves North Coast Artists, between 9am and 4.30pm. In selling direct to the public there will be many bargains as no high commission charges are included in the prices.
Artist and organiser of the event Elaine Rapson-Grant said: "We had planned for something last year when Ian Pearson, Jackie Newton and myself discussed this but it seemed to fizzle out and then nothing took place.
"However, at the Society of Caithness Artists exhibition this year, I spoke to Penny Irvine about it and we both agreed to just do it."
Elaine approached the Pentland Hotel about using its ballroom on the day and owner Andrew Mackay came forward "with a fantastic price" that the collective were delighted with.
The eight artists selling their work will be Penny Irvine (felting), Valerie Barker (textiles), Ian Pearson (glass sculptures), Dee Prentice and Jackie Newton (paintings and jewellery) with Elizabeth Lay, Tatiana Kireeva-Cameron and Elaine Rapson-Grant (paintings).
Elaine said that the auction is a trial to "see how it goes" and she hopes that the public will support the group and come along on the day. If successful, the artists are planning to hold monthly sales.
"With Caithness Horizons closed it has just added to the difficulty that artists have in getting their work out to the public. However, this is an exciting new venture and it would be great if it all worked out for us."
She said that the auction also gives the public a chance to meet the artists and have an informal chat about the pieces for sale.
"You do not have to buy anything. Just coming along to see us would be great. If we have a good turnout then this, in itself, would make it a fantastic success for us all."
