Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
One of the best yet – that was the verdict on what proved to be a bumper annual exhibition for Portgordon Art Group.
Spey Bay Community Hall once again hosted the event, which ran over July 19-21.
The Opening night on Friday was to set the tempo for the weekend with crowds flocking in from the doors opening at the earlier than usual time of 6pm.
One of those delighted with how the event went was Julie Squires, the exhibition being her first as art group chairperson.
She said: “The Friday was very, very busy, I’d say it was the busiest we’ve had in a long time and Sunday afternoon was really busy.
“People just kept on coming in, which was brilliant.
“We did very well in terms of picture sales with a lot of artists’ work admired. A total of 36 paintings were sold, which is excellent, and is better than last year. We’ve quite a few new members who were exhibiting for the first time. Some of them sold work which as an artist is the best feeling.
“There was also a lot of interest from potential new group members.
“I was quite anxious before the exhibition about how it would go and about the change of opening time on the Friday but it all went so well. It’s laid a good foundation for next year and we’ll be back bigger and better.”
Ms Squires went on to pay tribute to group members’ efforts in both setting up and taking down the exhibition. She also voiced her thanks for all the help she received from previous group chairperson Kitty Bell and treasurer Sue Gill.
The exhibition boasted a huge array of media, styles and subjects. The natural world played a large part in many of the works, with the geographical scope of many of the works ranging as far as Nillastad in Sweden.
Catching the eye in particular were four very colourful acrylic paintings placed on the stage in the hall. They were the work of John Campbell and were entitled Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Eleanor, Strawberry Fields and Mich’s Lost Years.
He said: “I’m a big John Lennon fan which you can see by the titles.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was inspired by LSD trips. I don’t do drugs but I’ve read so much about the effects.
“My work might be a bit far out for some people but I love the colours and the bright, glossy look.”
Portgordon Art Group meet every Friday at Spey Bay Community Hall from 1pm to 4pm. For more information and news, follow the group’s Facebook page.
