PICTURE SPECIAL: Art ‘on the edge’ at new Thurso exhibition – chairman praises the media for its support and gifts a gonk
A surprise was in store at the opening of a new art show in Thurso as the man behind it made a special presentation to the newspaper for its support.
The ‘On The Edge’ exhibition by the Society of Caithness Artists (SCA) is currently on show at the North Coast Visitor Centre’s (NCVC) gallery space until March 15 and the chairman used the opportunity to present a special glass gonk he had created to the Caithness Courier at the opening event on Friday, December 13.
“This is our third exhibition this year and the theme is ‘on the edge’,” said the chair.
“Over 100 artists were invited to take part and 20 are exhibiting here. They took up the mantle of ‘on the edge’ and most artists decided to use a geographical landscape interpretation. Some went a bit deeper and spoke about being on the edge of society and struggling to pay bills and suchlike.
“We’ve got 55 works of art here in the NCVC and we thank them for supporting us. This gallery would not be open without the support of local artists. All the work here is for sale and there are plenty of bargains to be had.”
In his opening speech, Ian talked about the promotion of the arts locally and how word of mouth can be effective but “as we live in a digital world” a more proficient method for disseminating the information is through a multichannel approach.
“One of the best ways is through the local newspaper. The SCA is delighted with the support of the Groat and Courier over the years and we want to acknowledge that in a physical way. I’m well aware of the journalists and editor who have been involved in promoting the arts but it’s quite rare to find a journalist who identifies with the arts.
“I recognise with David Scott that he has been there to support us at all the exhibitions and I knew about his interest in gonks. As a glass artist, my reputation is that I can make anything out of glass. I’ve never made a glass gonk before but I’ve seen pictures of them and thought I could make that. So I presented him with one as a gesture of appreciation.”
On The Edge has multiple works in an array of different media and styles that should suit all tastes. It has everything from finely crafted wood-turned objects to dynamic stoneware and glass sculptures along with many unique takes on the theme with various paintings and drawings.
The exhibition is free and is on until March 15, 2025, with info on opening times available at: www.highlifehighland.com/north-coast-visitor-centre/
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