April & May News & Events from Beauly Gallery
Late April is already upon us! Where is the time going? Easter has been and gone! Phew, what a busy time that was.
Exhibition News
David Body has regularly exhibted within Beauly Gallery from our first year (seven years ago!). David is a potter by trade, though, since 2004 he has been concentrating on his painting. Landscapes are his passion. He also has a steady following for his animal portraiture.
He paints in a stylized illustrative style, using layers of bright colours and texture evoking memories of the beauty of the Highland landscape and its occupants. A selection of David's works are on display within the coffee shop area alongside a number of reproduction prints and cards.
During 2011, Jenny Hepburn spent some time pottering along the shores of the far North West and also in Cromarty. The weather was typically Scottish; sun, cloud, wind and showers.
The resulting works examine our relationship with the 'water's edge'. Some of the paintings incorporate elements from the locations they depict, sand, ash, rusty metal, seeds. They are moody, dynamic pieces that represent the effect on the senses of being next to the sea.
A small selection of Jenny's new works can be viewed during April with a larger selection going on exhibition through-out May.
Alongside these familiar names you can also discover works by emerging artists, including Annette Purdie, Christine Callum-MacInally and Barbara Clark. A diverse selection of works in bright acrylics and oils, bringing the Highland scenery and its occupants to life.
Craft News
A long awaited delivery of Iris Milward's beautiful poetry tiles have arrived with us and are available from today. Each tile is unique, made individually by hand and decorated with words. Most of the tiles are inlaid, a process in which Iris carves the pattern in clay whilst is it still wet. This technique has been used since Roman times to produce patterned floor tiles. She uses the clay as a medium to carry poetry so it can be a constant visual presence in our lives. The tiles can be used for walls, floors, parts of furniture, 'read-as-you-go' footpaths or fountains, 'a thing of beauty' either indoors or out in the garden.
A new range of Harris Tweed bags have arrived within the gallery. Each piece is individually handmade on the West Coast of Scotland and finished with wonderful embellishments including handmade buttons in ceramic (by Fergus Stewart) and wood, mobile phone, and zipped pockets and for the larger bags a wash bag. Each item is carefully planned and executed, the lining either contrasts or compliments the design. No two are the same. Carry your art over your shoulder and invest in these ever popular functional designs.
NEW MINI COURSE
FREEHAND DECORATIVE EMBROIDERY FOR BEGINNERS, BEGINS 2nd MAY 6-9PM
A chance to explore the versatility of freehand embroidery- no cross stitch or embroidery hoop in sight!
Freehand embroidery courses are a chance for you to learn simple embroidery stitches enabling you to experiment with colour, scale and pattern, essentially its like drawing with thread.
Dingwall based Mary-Anne Farmer graduated in 2009 from the Glasgow school of Art with a BA (Hons) in Textile Design. Since moving to the Highlands she has been involved with many groups and enterprises within the local community, from a knitting and sewing group to a choral society. Her love for colour and pattern is evident through all aspects of her work as is her keen eye for detail.
Course commences May 2nd and will run for 4 weeks. £20 per class will include a cake and a refreshment. Places are limited so it is advisable to book a place by paying a 10% deposit. Each class is designed to stand alone, so you can drop in (or out) as you please.
All materials are provided, you are welcome to bring along any material you may want to work with.
Please contact the gallery for further information or to book your place.
The Kirk Coffee Shop
Regulars to our coffee shop will have noticed a few new faces to our team; Joseph and Lesley replace Marianne who is away on maternity leave after the birth of Reuben George in March, (Mother and baby are doing very well).
Joseph, a trained baker has already impressed us with his bakery skills. We are adding some home-baked bread to our new menu, which is due to change over to our summer selection shortly.
Lesley, a bookbinder, is a passionate vegetarian. As I type she is busy trying out new vegan and vegetarian recipes. These will be incorporated into our daily range of dishes.
Alongside all our usual favourites, The Kirk Coffee Shops new summer menu will feature platters to share. Choose between smoked salmon or ploughman's lunch, each served with a crisp freshly prepared seasonal side salad, a mini loaf and salad dressing. Lighter options for brighter weather? Lets keep hoping!
So, I think that is us just about up to date for now. Don't forget we are now open:
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm
We look forward to welcoming you again soon! Bye for now.
