Nearly 40 artists and makers have responded to the challenge to create small-scale artworks for an online exhibition called A Postcard From D&G.
Organised by Upland Arts Development CIC, the idea was for them to come up artworks that showcase and celebrate what’s special about this large and beautiful rural region with its rich pastures, rugged coastline and wild hills and moorland.
Joanna Macaulay, Assistant Director for Upland, said: “For much of this year we’ve been unable to welcome to visitors to Dumfries & Galloway.
“So we came up with the idea of A Postcard From D&G which lets people know that we wish they were here – and that we really look forward to welcoming them back.
“It’s also a region with a large and vibrant creative community – so we also saw this as the perfect moment to invite artists and makers to create pieces that show why this is such a wonderful place to live, work or visit.”
The works, all by members of Upland, are 2D and 3D, and include everything from paintings, drawings and feltwork to original prints and glass.
They are a maximum of A5 in size, so if you like one you can buy it and it can be easily popped in the post.
A sneak preview of some of the pieces includes landscapes by Denise Zygadlo, Hugh Bryden and Ann Smith and an artist’s book by Heather Armstrong.
There will also be glasswork from Amanda Simmons, photography by Alistair Hamilton and Phil McMenemy, ceramics from Doug Fitch and Hannah McAndrew, paintings and prints from Heather and Colin Blanchard, plus birds and landscapes by Lisa Hooper and Rosie Dobson.
- The exhibition runs at www.weareupland.com from 24 August to 6 September with a private view on the evening of Sunday 23rd August for those signed up to Upland’s mailing list.
Full list of artists and makers contributing to A Postcard from D&G
The Upland artists and makers contributing to the exhibition are:
Alison Corfield, Alistair Hamilton, Amanda Simmons, Andy Priestman, Angela Lawrence, Ann Smith, Caroline Hone, Carolyn Richardson, Catherine Coulson, Colin Blanchard, Deborah Campbell, Denise Zygadlo, Doug Fitch, Emily Tough, Gail Kelly, Hannah McAndrew, Hazel Campbell, Heather Armstrong, Heather Blanchard, Heather Davies, Helen Ryman, Helen Walsh, Hugh Bryden, Janet O’Donnell, Jennie Ashmore, Jo Gallant, Julie Hollis, Laura Derby, Lisa Hooper, Lizzie Farey, Pamela Grace, Phil McMenemy, Rosie Dobson, Sarah Keast, Sarah Stewart, Sheena McMaster, Tricia Barna and Val Macadam.
- Find out more about the exhibition and sign up to the mailing list for the private view at www.weareupland.com.
- Landscape by Ann Smith.
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Notes for editors
About Upland
Upland CIC (Community Interest Company) supports artists and makers based in, and with connections to, the region. It will delivers, events, training, networking, support and opportunities as part of a year-round programme to benefit the region, its artists, communities and economy. Upland CIC runs the annual Spring Fling contemporary visual art and craft open studios weekend in Dumfries and Galloway. It will work closely with other arts bodies in the region to further-strengthen the sector. Upland is based at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries and exists to:
- produce and deliver festivals, events, and experimental projects of the highest quality
- nurture an environment where artistic excellence thrives and grows
- inspire and educate a wide range of audiences, customers and clients to understand, celebrate, be actively engaged in and supportive of visual art and craft practice
- raise the profile of visual artists and makers locally, nationally and internationally fulfilling a crucial role in the culture and tourism of Dumfries and Galloway
- build strategic partnerships at regional, national and international level
- maintain a financially sound and adaptively resilient organisation
- use, and encourage the use of, innovative and emerging digital technology
- work to the benefit the local economy and the sustainability of local communities.
Its funders are Creative Scotland, D&G Council, The Holywood Trust, The William Grant Foundation, The Heritage Lottery Fund, ASWT, Barfill.
About Creative Scotland
- Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland.
For media information contact Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 or at [email protected] or call Upland on 01387 213 218.