South West Scotland Printmakers Exhibition

In a special Christmas exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre, over 25 artists are showing a selection of framed and unframed original prints using etching, linocut, screenprint, collagraph and other printmaking techniques. Opening on Saturday 19 November, the free exhibition in Gallery 1 at Gracefield Arts Centre, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, runs until mid-January.

Join us on the opening Saturday, 19 November, from 11am–2pm when South West Scotland Printmakers (SWSP) members Sarah Keast and Colin Blanchard will be in the gallery doing printmaking demonstrations and chatting about their work and the techniques, and artist Emma Varley introduces her light projection artwork. This is a free event, with refreshments served.

Artwork can be bought ‘off the wall’ and from the print browsers – the ideal opportunity to buy a thoughtful original present. The exhibition also includes a selection of artist hand-printed Christmas and greeting cards, printed fabric such as tea-towels, tote bags and other hand printed items such as ceramics, tree decorations, bookmarks – the ideal stocking fillers!

Councillor Archie Dryburgh, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee said: “There are some wonderful printmakers working in this part of Scotland; making a huge variety of different prints with a wide range of inspiration.”

Although original prints are often made in limited editions, each is individually created by the artist, requiring specialist skills and equipment. This means they can be an affordable way to have original and unusual artworks in your own home. Original prints differ from reproduction prints, like a Giclee, which although usually made from an artist’s own original drawn or painted image are made in limited runs on an ink-jet printer – they are never exactly the same, even in an edition, with the subtleties of ink application or pressure of the press creating a unique artwork.

Sarah Keast, exhibitor and Chair of the South West Scotland Printmakers adds “It is wonderful to have Gracefield continuing to support the art of printmaking – there are a lot of technical skills required by the makers and original prints have a distinct hand-made quality – the small workshop in Dumfries has been well-used and loved but has the potential to grow with the help of SWSP and we hope to have screen printing available soon”.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Gracefield Print Studio and joining SWSP (which has separate membership scheme) please get in touch with Gracefield by email at arts@dumgal.gov.uk

Gracefield Craft Shop will also be bringing a fantastic range of hand-made Christmas gifts to its displays this year with theme of ‘Canvas and Craft’ – paintings, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and much more for lasting gifts that your loved one really will treasure.

Councillor John Campbell, Vice-Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee added: “It’s important these days that we are mindful of what we buy, and you know when you are selecting something hand-made from a local or UK source that you are supporting a more sustainable practice – and that it will last a long time.”

Gracefield is located at 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries – for more details see www.dgculture.co.uk

ENDS