A group of Moray artists are working together to put Moray on the map when it comes to being creative.
The 12 creators who exhibit together as Moray Artists are taking part in the North East Open Studios (NEOS) which takes place at the start of September, and they want to ensure that Moray gets a slice of the artistic action.
NEOS which is one of the largest arts and creative events in Scotland runs from September 9 to 17.
It’s a not for profit organisation promoting arts and crafts in the north east of Scotland.
Over the course of the nine days, 270 creators and artists who have signed up, open their studios to the public from Forres to Stonehaven.
And The Moray Artists want to make sure that people know that in total, there are 25 creators in the Moray area that people can visit.
Since March, Moray Artists have staged two exhibitions to raise awareness ahead of NEOS taking place.
They held successful showcase exhibitions at Elgin Library Gallery and at Logie Steading.
Now, they are encouraging the public to get hold of the NEOS Moray Coast Trail map and plan their tour.
There is also a free, full colour NEOS 2023 book available which can be found in the venues including cafes, galleries and libraries throughout Aberdeenshire, Moray and beyond.
The book acts as a directory of everyone involved.
Alison Johnston, a Duffus-based painter whose daughter Iona Hall, a silversmith is also taking part in NEOS said:
“There is an amazing amount of creativity in Moray and we want to ensure that people know that they can enjoy a huge range of different styles of art right here on their doorstep.
“Between the 12 Moray Artists we have paintings, ceramics, wood sculpture and carving, basket weaving, jewellery and silversmithing.
“When you then look at the other 13 artists in our region, you can add textiles, mixed media and even kiltmaking to the studios that people can tour.
“There is wealth of creative skill in Moray and we want to make sure that people get out and about, meet the artists and enjoy what there is on offer.”
She added:
“Stepping into someone’s studio is a real eye opener and people will be able to learn about the artistic process, speak with the artists and in some cases, even have a go at creating.”
Iain Campbell of Ceramics at the Annexe located in Forres added:
“Since NEOS was founded, it has done such a huge amount for art in the region.
“It really has, quite literally put people like myself and my colleagues on the map.
“What Moray Artists are doing, is getting really involved and ensuring that people get to know what creatives in Moray have to offer.
“What’s fabulous about our region is that we are ideally, centrally located so that people from Aberdeenshire in the east, the Cairngorms to the south and of course Highland to the west, can make a short journey and enjoy a great day out where they will have their eyes opened to whole new world of art.”
