Home   News   Article

North East Open Studios showcasing creative talent


By Kyle Ritchie

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Artists from across the region are taking part in a new format for the North East Open Studios (NEOS) event.

The showcase of creative talent has taken on a different form this year due to the coronavirus outbreak with some venues open as usual with measures in place, others by appointment only and some are presenting online.

The event commenced on Saturday and will continue throughout the week until Sunday.

NEOS provides an informal contact network for artists, makers and gallery owners and helps the public access studios across the north-east of Scotland.

Chairwoman Fiona Duckett, who is based at Watergaw Ceramics in Whitehills, said: "We are really pleased to have managed to hold the event this year in the new blended format.

"The venues that are open have measures place which include track and trace, hand sanitiser, one way systems and mask wearing. The focus is on keeping visitors as safe as possible.

"We are looking forward to meeting people and speaking to visitors across the region."

NEOS chairwoman Fiona Duckett demonstrates pottery making at her Watergaw Ceramics studio in Whitehills
NEOS chairwoman Fiona Duckett demonstrates pottery making at her Watergaw Ceramics studio in Whitehills

As well as Watergaw Ceramics, Vanilla Ink The Smiddy is another venue in the Banff area taking part in the event.

However, silversmith Megan Falconer, who is based at the studio, has moved her presentations online which are available at her Facebook page

Silversmith Megan Falconer usually holds sessions at Vanilla Ink The Smiddy in Banff but instead moved her presentations online.
Silversmith Megan Falconer usually holds sessions at Vanilla Ink The Smiddy in Banff but instead moved her presentations online.

In Maud, a number of artists are featured at Jane Keenan Design in the village's Square.

The designer is displaying a number of her mixed media creations inspired by the surrounding countryside but with a Scandinavian twist.

Also at the venue are ceramic artist Caroline Gault who runs Matchless Pots and jewellery designer Suzanne Munro.

Fiona Ross of Candy Coated accessories is at the studio using a combination of knitting and sewing to create her work and completing the line-up at the venue is jewellery maker Drew Markou.

Artists Caroline Gault (left) and Suzanne Munro are exhibiting their work at Jane Keenan Design in Maud.
Artists Caroline Gault (left) and Suzanne Munro are exhibiting their work at Jane Keenan Design in Maud.

At New Pitsligo John Gerrard is demonstrating wood craft at Turlundie Woodturnings in his cottage on Church Street.

On display is a variety of his work including his unique Christmas trees for the festive season.

Artist Eileen Maitland is also exhibiting her paintings at the venue. She works in pastel, oil and occasionally watercolour, with inspiration coming from the countryside, her life on the farm and love of wildlife.

For the full details of artists taking part in the north-east and the most up-to-date information on NEOS visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk or www.facebook.com/NorthEastOpenStudios


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More