Two Exhibitions For North Galleries

14th February 2009

Precious Cargo for Thurso Gallery

Swanson Gallery, Thurso
14 Feb to 14 Mar
Precious Cargo

An exhibition which has been specially created for Scotland's Year of Homecoming with a Highland focus goes on show at the Swanson Gallery, Thurso from 14 February to 14 March. The exhibition has been designed by Brodie Nairn and Nicky Burns from Glasstorm in Tain as an innovative installation of cargo boxes, each revealing new objects or contemporary 'souvenirs' of the Highlands, which travellers to lands across the sea might have cherished to remind them of 'home'.

The best of craft makers from across the Highlands and Scotland were invited to respond to the theme and create the 'souvenirs' or 'Precious Cargo' to go inside the crates. The work of some 30 artists was selected from jewellery, textiles, wood and ceramics to film and represents this stunning collection of contemporary craftsmanship. There is also a specially created calendar reflecting homecoming through the theme of migration, boats and the sea. A selection of unique crafts is available to buy.

Original Prints for Wick Gallery

St Fergus Gallery, Wick
14 Feb to 14 Mar
Gray's School of Art Printmaking Department Portfolio
Meanwhile at the St Fergus Gallery in Wick, following the very well supported 'Home' exhibition by Hillhead Primary School, original prints go on display combining the work of 4th year undergraduates, invited artists and staff. The Gray's School of Art (Aberdeen) portfolio reflects the tradition and innovation in modern printmaking. There is a long tradition of artists being involved in projects that examine the making of a multiple image in the context of a group body of work.

The portfolio has been exhibited nationally and internationally including Aberdeen, London, Estonia, Prague and Chicago Invited artists for this exhibition are David Blyth, Francis Convery, Julia Gardner, Fiona Hepburn and Rosalind Lawless.
Meanwhile the local arts exhibition with some new additions continues in the stairwell of this beautiful building. This exhibition continues to the Swanson Gallery in March, where there is ground floor access. Admission to both exhibitions is free, although donations towards the running costs are very welcome.

Swanson opening times; M, T, W 1 to 5pm, Fr 1 to 8pm, Sat 10am to 1pm, Closed Thurs and Sun
www.highland.gov.uk/swansongallery

St Fergus opening times: M, T, Th 12 to 5.30pm, Fr 2 to 8pm, Sat 10.30am to 1pm, Closed Wed & Sun
www.highland.gov.uk/stfergusgallery

Information Supplied by Adrian Clark
Area Cultural Officer 01349 885114
Adrian.clark[AT]highland.gov.uk