North Ayrshire Council

03/17/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/17/2023 10:49

Ayr Sketch Club set to host 122nd annual exhibition in Irvine for the first time

Posted on 17 Mar 2023

The Harbour Art's Centre has launched a new art exhibition this week.

On display in the main galleries until Saturday 29 April, Ayr Sketch Club will be exhibiting at the HAC for the very first time.

The art club have been showcasing the work of both amateur and professional artist for well over a century, and the exhibition opens at the centre on Thursday evening at 6.30pm

Artist Lucy MacDonald from Ayr Sketch Club commented: "Brimming with artistic talent, our 122nd annual exhibition recently toured Ayr's MacLaurin Gallery and we are excited to now bring our showcase to the HAC - North Ayrshire's Arts and Culture Hub - for the very first time!

"On display will be an array of paintings and drawings all for sale and the artists of note include:

  • Sandra Ratcliffe - a colourful expressionist skies in acrylic;
  • Colin MacKay - with exquisitely detailed and atmospheric sea and landscapes in oils;
  • Paul A. Trainor - moody and deeply graphic nocturnes in oils;
  • Jean Berry - light and refreshing florals in watercolour;
  • and Audrey Kaufman with her thought-provoking textural abstracts in mixed media.

"We are really looking forward to making our mark here throughout April and bring a splash of colour and creativity to Ayrshire's local culture and tourism calendar.

"Even if you are popping into the cafe next door and are only planning on having a quick look, the quality and talent of our featured artist's promises to mesmerise visitors."

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands commented: "Founded over a hundred years ago, the club brings the very best of professional and amateur painters and creative practitioners together to spotlight their works in a variety of media.

"I've had a preview of some of the paintings set to be featured and it's wonderful to see such a variety of work under one roof. From scenic landscapes, abstract expressions and striking sculptural pieces, the exhibition really does have something for everyone.

"If you're interested in visual art or are looking for something different to do, I would recommend that you pop along to the HAC between now and the end of April to see this exceptional showcase up close for yourself. If you're inspired by the exhibition, there are a number of creative classes across North Ayrshire that you can join and help feed your creative flare. The staff in the HAC will be happy to help with information on what's on where."

The Harbour Arts Centre is situated on the picturesque Irvine Harbourside, easily accessible from Glasgow and throughout Ayrshire. Stay tuned to their busy events calendar by visiting the website: https://thehac.co.uk/events or follow the HAC on Facebook: https://thehac.co.uk/events

Find out more about Ayr Sketch Club by visiting: https://www.ayrsketchclub.com/
Opening times

Wednesday - 9:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday - 9:30am to 4:30pm
Friday - 9:30am to 5pm
Saturday - 9:00am to 4:30pm

Entry to the exhibition is free and will be open from Thursday 16 March.

If you would like to find out more, you can call the box office on 01294 274059 or email: [email protected]