Shetland Arts received curatorial and programme development funding from the Scottish Arts Council in 2008. This was used in the research and development of ideas for the exhibition of contemporary craft in Shetland. The theme of Portage was relevant to our location and the Portage Team of Clair Aldington, Hazel Hughson and Mary Smith went on to curate three exhibitions to be shown at Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland during 2010. The first Crossing Points took place in June and featured digital jewellery and Textiles: Extremes of Scale can be seen 9 October – 14 November.
Portage: Finger Symbols, an exhibition exploring rings and finger ornaments, curated by Mary Smith can be seen at Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale, Shetland from 7 August to 5 September. The exhibition shows contemporary work created by emerging and established international makers and also features photography by Chloe Garrick and a film by Jono Sandilands. The film can also be viewed online after 6 August 2010 and will be Shetland Arts’ first online exhibition.
The exhibition opening is at 7.30pm on 6 August and an invitation is extended to all to come along.
A DVD catalogue of the work by over 50 makers, essays and the innovative film of the jewellery will be available from Bonhoga Gallery. This format was thought to be particularly appropriate for the theme of Portage – a considerable amount of information contained within a small object.
To accompany the exhibition there will be two workshops by Glasgow based jeweller Alison Macleod. A ring workshop entitled Binding Memories will be held on 14 August and a Laminating workshop using laminated papers to create necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc will take place on 15 August. Both will be held in the Learning Room at Shetland Museum and Archives and bookings can be made by contacting Shetland Box Office on 01595745555. Alison will give a presentation and talk about her work in Bonhoga Gallery at 7pm on 17 August. This event is free and an invitation is extended to all.
More information - Alison Macleod Workshops
