Print Studio Showcase at Gracefield Arts Centre

A Christmas exhibition featuring artworks created by the printmakers’ members and workshop participants in the Gracefield print workshop has opened. The exhibition providesa special focus on screen-printing – the latest techniques to be added to the repertoire of the workshop – but also etchings, collagraphs, linocut and cyanotype artworks.

Print Studio Showcase isopens in Gallery 2 at Gracefield Arts Centre, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, and runs to Saturday 21 December.

Councillor Maureen Johnstone, chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing committee says: “There are some wonderful printmakers working in this part of Scotland and it’s fascinating to see what can be made in our Gracefield print workshop – many thanks to all the participants for pulling back the curtain and sharing their creative talents.”

Artworks can be bought ‘off the wall,’ from the unframed print browsers or collected by 3pm on the 21 December just in time for Christmas – the ideal opportunity to buy a thoughtful original present or treat yourself to an artwork to start or enhance your collection.

Although original prints are often made in limited editions, each is individually created by the artist, requiring specialist skills and equipment. Original prints differ from reproduction prints, like a Giclee, and are made from an artist’s own original drawn image. No two are ever exactly the same, even in an edition, with the subtleties of ink application or pressure of the press creating a unique signed artwork.

Sarah Keast, exhibitor and chair of the Southwest Scotland Printmakers (SWSP) adds: “It is wonderful to have Gracefield continuing to support the art of printmaking, the new screenprint equipment installed over 2022/23 expands the repertoire of techniques we can offer in Dumfries and Galloway and has proved hugely popular over the last year, with many trying it for the first time in one of the weekend training workshops.”

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

Events:

Join us on the opening on Saturday 2 November from 2 to 4pm when SWSP members will be in the gallery to chat, and artist Doreen Boogert will be demonstrating monotype printing.

Gracefield Craft Shop will also be bringing a fantastic range of hand-made Christmas items to its displays this year with theme of East Meets West – with beautiful velvet kimonos, paintings, ceramics, jewellery and much more for lasting gifts that your loved one really will treasure.

Vice Chair Councillor Lynne Davies adds: “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.”

Join us for our early bird Christmas shopping event on Saturday 9 November 10am to 5pm with festive drinks and nibbles, prize draw and a chance to get your shopping started or just enjoy a first look at the specially selected stock.

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