A MAJOR exhibition – highlighting arts and crafts from across central Scotland – is coming to a close.
The Showcase Exhibition for the Forth Valley Open Studios festival ends its run at the University of Stirling on Wednesday 31 July.
The University’s art curator, Jane Cameron, said: “If you haven’t seen the exhibition yet – pay us a visit. There’s an amazing mix of work on show, all from local artists.
“Works are on display in the main ‘crush hall’ in our Pathfoot Building. Admission is free and the exhibition is open to members of the public, so please come along.”
The exhibition was launched in May to tie in with the annual Forth Valley Open Studios Festival.
“This year, nearly 150 took part in the festival, exhibiting their work in their own homes and galleries across the Forth Valley area,” said Jane. “The University supported this by showing works by some of the artists in our gallery space here in Stirling.
“The response from the public has been tremendous. The exhibition has attracted lots of new people to the University campus and also heightened awareness of the other artworks and exhibitions we have on display.”
The tradition of collecting art at Stirling goes back to the founding of the University in 1967 when Professor Tom Cottrell was the first Principal. A scientist by training, he came from an artistic background and had very clear ideas about art and its place in society. He felt that art should be part of the everyday experience at the University and this vision began to take shape when Stirling was gifted a collection of the late Fergusson’s work by the artist's partner, Margaret Morris and the J D Fergusson Arts Foundation.
From these origins, the Art Collection has grown substantially and, over 40 years later, the University now has a diverse range on display with over 600 works covering a broad spectrum of modern Scottish painting, sketches, tapestries, silver and sculpture. Included are works by distinguished artists like John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, Alan Davie, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi and Anne Redpath. There are also regular temporary exhibitions by invited artists and of items from the University Archives. The University’s policy of continuing to attain new works remains a priority and ensures that new art is continually being acquired and displayed on campus.
Jane added: “Best of all, the Open Studios exhibits are available to buy. So, if you see something you really love, you can get it for your own home.”
The University art collection can be viewed at the Pathfoot Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at weekends. For details visit http://www.artcol.stir.ac.uk/ or www.facebook.com/artcollectionstirling or www.twitter.com/artatstirling
You can also email: art.collection@stir.ac.uk or call 01786 466050