New venue adds extra style to return of Cullen art exhibition
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CULLEN Art Group marked the return of their exhibition in style, with a change of venue joining the many stars of the show.
A packed opening evening on Friday, August 12 kicked off the weekend-long event and marked a shift in venue for the group’s annual show to the community centre as opposed to the Memorial Hall.
It certainly proved a winner as people thronged to the exhibition, the 37th the group have held and the first since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
Art group chairwoman Myra Craig said: “It’s the first time we’ve had the exhibition in the community centre and it’s wonderful to have such a big space, it’s a luxury to have all this room.
“We’re absolutely delighted with it and it’s great that folk have the room to move around easily and enjoy the works on show.
“It’s wonderful to be back again for the first time since 2019, it was super organising it all.
“We’re delighted at the turnout and it’s good to see so many new group members with their work on show.
“The whole exhibition is stunning, the standard is really high.”
Declaring the exhibition officially open was Norman Defoe, a professional artist who acts as a volunteer tutor for the group.
He commented: “This is the first complete exhibition I’ve seen from the group and I’m really impressed.
“Some people look at paintings and say things like ‘It’s not very good’. I never say things like that or use criticism. The truth is that most painters, if they’ve got any sense, are their own critics.
“There’re many reasons people paint; like music it’s a form of human creativity. Why an artist is doing something doesn’t matter so long as it matters to them.
“It has been said that there are three reasons people want to be an artist. Firstly, to make lots of money. Secondly, to be famous and thirdly, to have lots of lovers.
“However, painting is usually used to record an experience of some sort. The artist will know what that is and what that means.
“Instead of saying ‘It’s not very good’ an artist should say ‘It’s done what I wanted it to do’.”
Mr Defoe went on to praise the group for the way members supported and encouraged each other throughout the year.
He continued: “One thing that does occur to me is that a lot of advice can come from within the group; members will find answers within the group.
“It’s like a form of meditation.
“Why do people form into groups when it’s a solitary activity? I don’t know, but it seems to work.”
The exhibition featured a wide variety of media, with local scenes providing a great deal of inspiration for the works on show. In all, around 120 pieces featured in the show.
Prints were available in a number of browsers in the hall.
Cullen Art Group meet on Tuesdays in the community centre from 9am to 12 noon. New members are always welcome to come along.
The group went into their exhibition fresh off the back of their highly successful inaugural Community Big Paint Out a few weeks ago which saw people of all ages answer the invitation to cover the magic of Cullen on canvas and paper. Support on the day was provided by Lossiemouth High School art teacher Wendy Hay and experienced art group member John Rose.
