Exhibition changeover at Gracefield Arts Centre
It’s all go this week with a changeover of exhibitions at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.
While we say ‘goodbye’ to Dan Flavin as the artwork heads back to the Tate and National Gallery of Scotland, we say ‘hello’ to Scottish artist Toby Paterson whose new exhibition open to the public on 22 November. Organised by Gracefield with the Scottish Touring Exhibitions Consortium this exhibition has been curated as part of GENERATION – a national celebration of the best of Scottish art from the last 25 years linked to the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme (generationartscotland.org). It has been touring the country from Fife to Inverness to Peebles and reaches its final destination here in Dumfries.
Glasgow-based Toby Paterson exhibits widely internationally but this is a rare opportunity for audience’s out-with the central belt of Scotland to experience his work. An installation has been designed for by the artist to create a tailored space in which to encounter and engage with the work. Visitors are invited to think about the visual qualities and changes in the modern urban landscape which the artist has responded to and interpreted.
Paintings and prints from the last four years give an introduction to Toby Paterson’s approach with a few earlier works providing context. Excitingly there will also be some new work created especially for the exhibition and related to Dumfries sources.
The artist has written “I’m drawn to buildings and environments all too frequently deemed as presenting evidence of failure, or even to those considered as of no interest at all.” In addition to providing viewers with visual art they can appreciate for its own qualities his work aims to encourage viewers to re-assess their own feelings about their built environment. Toby has selected work from Gracefield’s permanent art collection to be shown alongside his work in Gallery 1 and in Gallery 2, the artist’s installation transforms the gallery space with both 2D and 3D works.
Councillor Tom McAughtrie the Chair of Community and Customer Services Committee said; “This is an exciting exhibition, and showcases the work of an important Scottish artist here in Dumfries. The Generation Project has shone a light internationally on the work of our home-grown talent in the arts as well as the sporting areas this year and we hope that our visitors enjoy this unique experience.”
In the Café Gallery, Gwendol Gains, a Newton-Stewart based painter, shows her lastest work in oil and pastel inspired by the flora and fauna of her local area, particularly where man has had an impact on the landscape, such as forest clearing for tree felling.
Also launching this week is the Gracefield Crafts Shop Christmas exhibition Paintings, Pots & Presents. Sourced from local artists and specially selected makers from across Scotland, the selection includes ceramics by Archie McCall, paintings by Victor Henderson and stunning Harris Tweed textile gifts; handmade soaps, beautiful jewellery and much, much, more.
From unusual stocking fillers to those unique investment items we have got the solution for your gift for your special someone!
We extend a warm welcome to all to join us for the opening night of all three exhibitions on Friday 21 November, 6.30pm-8.30pm and enjoy festive drinks and nibbles with a chance to see the all the exhibitions on show.
Admission to the opening night and exhibitions is free, and our usual opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, (Café closes at 4pm).
Gracefield is located at 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries. Gracefield and Café Hubbub will be closed for a short break from 3pm Christmas Eve until 10am Tuesday 6 January.
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