Portgordon Art Group put final touches to annual show
THE finishing touches are being put to Portgordon Art Group’s eagerly awaited annual exhibition.
The show of group members’ work over the course of the last year will open to the public on Saturday, July 20 and run over the weekend at the Spey Bay Community Hall. Members of the public will get a warm welcome between the hours of 10am and 4pm on both days.
There is a new face in the chairperson’s role for this year’s show, Julie Squires taking over the reins from her stalwart predecessor Kitty Bell.
Looking forward to the exhibition, Ms Squires said: “We’re hoping to have around 120 pieces of work on show at this year’s exhibition, which would be about the same as we had last year.
“There’s a great mix of media, including oils, watercolours, ink and acrylic.
“We’ve also got quite a few new members this time around so there’s a few different levels of ability from complete beginners who’ve never lifted a brush before to more experienced ones.
“Everyone’s getting really excited about it and getting everything ready.
“It’s my first exhibition as chairperson after taking over from Kitty so it’s a little bit scary. I’m hoping I’ve remembered everything that needs to be done. There’ll probably be a few hiccups on the way but we’ll deal with them!”
In addition to admiring the various pieces of lovingly created art on show, visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to browse though a range of unframed prints and cards. There will also be a raffle.
Entry to the exhibition costs £2, which includes refreshments.
Portgordon Art Group are now permanently based at Spey Bay Community Hall, a move Ms Squires said has opened new vistas for them.
She continued: “It’s been really great since we moved here.
“There’s so much more space which allows us to welcome more members than we were able to previously.
“Having more space allows allows us to store all our equipment here. Previously, when we were based at Clochan Community Centre, we had to move all our equipment from there to Spey Bay when we held our exhibition whereas now everything’s right here.
“We’re taking on new members at the moment, with all abilities welcome from beginners upwards.
“Although we don’t have a regular tutor coming along to the group at the moment, we do have ones coming in occasionally to give workshops. Group members also give workshops and there’s always advice available to less experienced members from the older hands.
“We’ve also got plenty of books and DVDs for hints and tips.”
The group meet every Friday at the hall from 1pm to 4pm.
For updates on Portgordon Art Group, follow their Facebook page.
