Summer Highlights at Gracefield, Dumfries

This is the artist’s first major solo show at Gracefield and features new work from the last 3 years. A well-known artist is the community, Hazel has lived and worked in Galloway for most of her adult life and through attendance at painting classes over a number of years, including those of her mentor Archie Sutter Watt RSW, she has developed her own vigorous style of painting.  Until recently she was chair of the Spring Fling Board, and has also been President of the Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society.

Councillor Tom McAughtrie commented “Its always good to see our ‘home grown’ talent, and this show is no exception – wonderfully vibrant and engaging paintings for all to enjoy.”

Over in Gallery 1, Modern Painters features some of the leading artists from Scottish art history, selected from the Gracefield Permanent Collection exhibition. John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder and Barbara Rae may be some of the familiar names, but the show will also feature less-known talent and cast an eclectic eye over the painting practice in Scotland and other key artists from UK and abroad over the last 70 years – including an etching by Picasso, arguably the world’s most famous artist!

Admission to exhibitions is always free and there’s also a Café, which features a changing exhibition programme and this month we have a fascinating exhibition by Jody Little.  Jody has been working full-time as a professional artist since graduating in 2013 from Camberwell College of Arts, London, with an MA in Printmaking. Printmaking techniques underpin his practice which he uses along with painting, drawing and collage. Portraits and figures are the main interest and he uses old photographs as inspiration:  whether they are of Hollywood legends or of long lost ancestors from his family tree.

Gracefield’s  kids’ classes on Saturday morning run until July and then move to Wednesday for the summer holiday  – you can book just one, or sign up for a season, the choice is yours and each session is led by professional artist and makers – it’s an ideal way to keep the kids busy for a couple of hours while learning something new.  Classes cost £5.50 and you can book and pay over the phone on 01387 262084. Designed for age 5-12, under 8s must be accompanied, but you can get a coffee and stay in the building – you don’t have to be in the class unless you’d like to join in of course! Please leave a contactable mobile number for the older children.

For full details, please give us a call or visit the Council website at www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield

For further information contact: Dawn Henderby (Arts Officer)

Telephone: 01387 262084     Fax: 01387 255173  e-mail: [email protected]