Over the summer the main gallery will host the work of some of Shetland’s most popular and talented practitioners. This programme is part of the initiative to re-focus the space at Bonhoga towards Applied Art and Craft, while taking the established Visual Art programme out to new and exciting locations throughout Shetland.
The first showcase will champion fine craftsmanship and innovative design and feature new work as well as current ranges from five of Shetland’s finest makers; with jewellery from Jayne Kelly and Coleen Thomson of Yala; Joan Fraser and Morwenna Garrick will be adding new products to their growing collections of contemporary textiles and ceramic artist Sharon McGeady will include sculpture alongside her popular Shetland themed ceramics.
The showcases provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with craft at a closer level, and discover what it is that inspire local designers and makers to create their amazing pieces. All work featured in the showcases will be for sale, providing a unique opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to support Shetland makers and purchase from a large and diverse collection of local, high quality, contemporary applied art and craft.
Shetland Arts’ Retail Manager Angela Smith said ‘We are very excited about this opportunity for Shetland makers. We recognise the importance of Craft as an art form, as well as a creative industry, and our makers play a key role in the local creative community. With an increasing demand for local work, we are keen to increase our support of this sector by establishing a retail and exhibition platform for contemporary applied art and craft at Bonhoga.’
Running concurrently with the first showcase, in the Lower Gallery, will be a display of prints for sale from both local and UK artists.
