Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries has recently re-opened it doors to Gallery 2 with a few weeks left to catch the sculpture exhibition Human Machines: Johnny White and Amanda Wray – which has been sitting quietly in the gallery over lockdown waiting for everyone to come back and push the buttons and pull the levels on these fun kinetic pieces.
While we were closed to visitors, we were delighted with the response to the invitation to join the weekly online gallery – run from April through July on our Facebook pages, setting a different themes each week, including: Home, Out of this World, Dumfries and Galloway and Oriental Expression among others. Over 80 participants of all ages took part, and the videos are still live for anyone to see – but we did promise that we’d get a selection on show in the gallery and have been delighted by the response to participate in the exhibition which opens on Tuesday 8 September: Online to On the Wall. Artists were asked to bring in their favourite lockdown creation and these are now displayed in Room 2 of Gallery 2, with a fantastic selection of subject matters and media from simple pencil drawings to full scale oil painting – a hive of creativity that’s helped many get through these difficult times and also sparked creativity for some by having the time.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, who is Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee comments:
“I have really enjoyed seeing the weekly virtual gallery, but it’s always best to experience art first-hand where possible, so I’ll be heading down to see the real pieces!”
The Gracefield Craft Shop has re-opened too and to make way for some fresh new stock from our local maker and selected UK wide crafters, we’ve got a selection of great bargains to be had – items reduced including Edinburgh designed Earth Squared bags and purses, local artist jewellery and much more..
Café Hubbub is also back open for visitors with its usual delicious selection of cakes, coffee and light lunches – open slightly reduced hours to start from 10am to 2.30pm (usual 3.30pm), but ideal for that lunchtime getaway – socially distanced seating inside and lots of additional outside seating for you to enjoy the quiet green space and hopefully some late summer sun…
Councillor John Martin, Vice Chair of Communities Committee added:
“I enjoyed the Human Machine exhibition – the scale of the central work is extraordinary and these artists manage to combine clever engineering with some engaging ideas about humanity – don’t miss it before it goes off on its national tour.”
Human Machines runs at Gracefield until Saturday 19 September open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm at 28 Edinburgh Road and the Online to On the Wall is up until 25 October – our next show is Brick by Brick: International LEGO® Brick Art – more details to follow soon. To see these and other exhibitions and events across the Council’s arts and museums, visit www.dgculture.co.uk. (Please note you must pre-book a visit online or call the gallery or Midsteeple box office).
