“Fabric Fibre Thread: The Textiles Triennial” Exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre
Last weekend saw the opening day of ‘Fabric, Fibre Thread’ at Gracefield Gallery 1 and 2. It’s the hotly anticipated textiles exhibition presented every three years by members of the Dumfries Embroiderers, Solway Quilters and Spinners Weavers and Dyers.
A ‘must see’ for anyone interested in traditional and contemporary crafts and has already had over a 500 visitors through the doors – young and old alike are enjoying the quilters, embroidery and weaving. Each group has a flourishing membership and meets at Gracefield and other venues in the region to enjoy practical days, lectures, talks and knowledge-sharing.
Alongside the wide selection of textile work on display, group members will be available throughout the exhibition to give demonstrations or explain about the traditional and cutting edge techniques used. The Solway Quilters are running their raffle of a stunning king-sized Quilt in aid of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland – tickets £1.
If you fancy trying out any of these craft skills yourself, there are still a few places left on 1&2 May when locally-based weaver Katie Russell, leads a two day tapestry weaving introduction workshop. Still to come this spring/summer at Gracefield will be workshops in life drawing, photo-plate lithography, collograph printmaking and abstract art – so lots of ways to get your creativity going!
Tom McAughtrie, Councillor and chair of Community and Customer Services commented: “It’s a chance to learn new skills, meet new people and enjoying a day of creativity.”
For full details of the costs, times and booking method, please visit the website on www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield or give us a ring on 01387 262084 to find out more.
Alongside these weekend workshops there is much to see in the exhibition galleries with a new Café Gallery exhibition by Cumbria-based painter, Alison Critchlow. These paintings have been inspired by the seas around North West Scotland and the Solway. The colour and character of each one is distinct. Alison is interested in contrasts, the changes in tide and weather, the relentlessness and the transient, the storms and the calm. Several of the small pictures on board were painted on the shore at Southerness.
They are quick, direct studies painted from the same spot at different times of the year. Alison has been working at Allonby on the Cumbrian side of the Solway as well as at Mersehead and Southerness building up knowledge of this sea which she will eventually use to inform larger paintings. The Solway studies are shown beside studio paintings inspired by many trips to North West Scotland and the Hebrides.
For more details about the exhibitions, classes for adults and kids, events, craft shop and café Hubbub, please give Gracefield a ring on 01387 262084, visit the website, or see us on Facebook. Admission to Gracefield is free and there is ample free parking, with extra on Edinburgh Road when it gets busy! The textiles exhibition continues Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm until 16 May, Alison Critchlow café exhibition until 30 May.
