Tribute to late artist Joan Powell at forthcoming Society of Caithness Artists show this month – chair is delighted to host 'real physical exhibition' again in Thurso
The Society of Caithness Artists (SCA) is busy preparing for its "first real physical exhibition" since 2019 which will include a tribute to Thurso artist Joan Powell who died this year.
SCA chair Ian Pearson said: “The last two years have been very difficult for all, and this includes artists where the only outlet to market their work is through online. Now we have the opportunity to showcase in the flesh all the artistic talent in the county.”
The exhibition takes place at the ETEC building, part of the UHI North Campus, which many may know as the Thurso College. Ian further explains: “The choice of venue was forced upon the Society by the Highland Council who increased the rental charges at Thurso High School well above the rate of inflation which any voluntary organisations such as the SCA could never afford.
"It was a great pity as the exhibition had enjoyed a very happy 15 years of existence there. We didn’t have to look far for an alternative venue though as the UHI Campus is next door to the school.”
The exhibition will open on Monday evening July 25 at 6.30pm and then will be open daily except Sunday, from 3pm until 8pm. The exhibition closes on Friday, August 5. Handing in day for artists is Saturday July 23 between 10am and 2pm at the ETEC building.
The Society is very pleased that HRH Duke of Rothesay has agreed to loan two watercolours that he painted of the local area. The duke, a keen artist himself has always supported the SCA and in the past has visited the exhibition. His two works are titled “Kilphedir Pool on The River Helmsdale, Sutherland” and “Abandoned Crofts on Stroma”.
Ian added: “This year the SCA will acknowledge the work of Joan Powell who passed away earlier this year and was a very active member of the Society. There will be a special tribute to Joan by displaying an example of her artwork.”
Joan Powell (1931 - 2022) was an artist living in Caithness who produced a large volume of works spanning five decades. Born in Yorkshire, she relocated to Caithness with her husband and young family in 1959, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Through friends, she became involved with a small informal group of artists initially focusing on watercolour landscapes, as well as local Thurso and Wick Street scenes. Without any formal art training, she later began to produce innovative works across batik and silk painting and other media.
She was a regular contributor to the SCA’s annual exhibition and was also involved with its committee for many years as well as that of Lyth Arts Centre.
The small selection of her work to be displayed includes items that have kindly been lent by her family, the Highland Council, Lyth Arts Centre, and a number of private individuals.
For further details about the SCA exhibition contact Ian Pearson by email at: ian.pearson1@tiscali.co.uk or by phone on: 01847 895637 or 07816762601.