U3A Art Appreciation Group Collection Choice

A new exhibition opens in Gallery 1 on Saturday 13 April at Gracefield Arts Centre, featuring an eclectic mix featuring works from the Gracefield permanent art collection. The U3A Art Appreciation group spent time in the stores and online selecting and researching their top four artworks. The show is displayed with personal response to each work from the 12 group members.

The project began back in 2023 when Dawn Henderby, Art Officer, based at Gracefield invited members of the Art Appreciation Group, to consider curating our own art exhibition, with selected paintings from this marvellous collection. Margaret Smith, who co-ordinates the group said: “As no one in the group had any experience in such a task, it certainly was a challenge. It has been such a privilege, as we have been allowed, with Dawns supervision, to see all the items held in storage. To accompany the selected artists/paintings, we have had to prepare information about the artist and paintings, along with reasons for our choice.”

Councillor Ian Blake added: “It’s great to see work from our own collection and the group has selected some fantastic old favourites alongside some rarely seen items.”

Join the group on Saturday 13 April at 2pm to chat with members about their choices. It is a free event with teas and coffee served. Please pre-book if you can by calling01387 262084or email arts@dumgal.gov.uk

Over in Gracefield Gallery 2 is Eduardo Paolozzi: General Dynamic F.U.N.

This touring exhibition from the Hayward, with added Gracefield Art Collection pieces, showcases the talents of the Edinburgh-born artist in the centenary year of his birth. Galleries across the country will be celebrating his life and work as one of the UK’s leading pop artists, and Gracefield is delighted to show his work here in Dumfries, running until 11 May.

Created between 1965 and 1970, Paolozzi’s canny alchemy is vividly apparent in General Dynamic F.U.N. For Paolozzi, the modern age, exposed as ephemera, is a necessarily fragmented collision of visual stimulus and influence, and his work is a 'health warning for an uncreative and thriftless society.'

Councillor Jackie McCamon said: “It’s great to be part of the celebrations of this remarkable artist – don’t miss the chance to see his work in our local gallery.”

If you are in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern 2) has an amazing recreation of Paolozzi studio, and some of his remarkable sculpture including his 6m high Vulcan in the café.

Admission to Gracefield exhibitions is always free, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. The U3A exhibition continues to 4 May, and the Paolozzi until the 11 May.

The café at Gracefield is now open again asa Usual Place Enterprise.The Studio Caféoffers teas, coffees, light lunches, and home baking.

ENDS