Patch Works - My Second Exhibition

Here are some photos from my second exhibition in the Arthouse.
It was really busy which was a big tribute to the exhibiting artists. I was so pleased with the 'FEEL' that the various interpretations that the title 'Patch Works' engendered. All the works had great individuality but with a bit of interesting juxtaposing they made sense and eventually gave a cohesive character.

I had three areas - my hallway housed the powerful pieces from Charles Macqueen, Christine Woodside, George Donald and James More as well as Moira Beaty and Anne Beaty.

The second space held in my sitting room had works from Lindean Mill Glass, Elizabeth Radcliffe, James More ( in a change of temperature !) and Susie Reade. I also was happy to be showing books from my good pal Kisley Di Giuseppe who now teaches in Canada and a quirky book by Susie Reade.

Interestingly both book makers are involved with helping kids with learning problems.

I made a grand error when I had lit the lovely Lindean Glass pieces from behind with candles which I found still lit the following afternoon - careless me !!

My third group was in my space where I also have my 'new' second hand piano. In good tune and played by Arnold Maran as well as Russell Hillhouse.

The artists shown were Keith Gavigan who delivered his 'stuff' by hand from Norway. I had not seen him for about 40 years. John Brennan's tapestries lent strength to the strong colour side of the room and in the centre of the more muted group was a work from Kate Charlesworth.

I had several queries about the works on show and hope some of those queries result in slaes to the artists. Bringing light to the room was a knitted fitting from Lil Gogan. another amazing version of a Patch Work !!

I take no percentage for showing these creative pieces but get a joy from having been the cause of a satisfying and varied display of invention. Of course the generous gift of some Auchentoshan Whisky from Bowmore Distilleries helped to warm our visitors even from as far
away as Galashiels - brave guys in these snowy days !! I also had aa guest from Australia but she was also here in a minor quest to see her daughter !

I probably shall hold off having another show for several months as it was not at inconsiderable expense to my finances and energies but I certainly shall have another as i find I am fixated on the pleasure of these showings.

If anyone has a feeling for another show, please feel free to talk with me. I would consider some other form for a show if I do not have to pay all the costs and have to do all the work. I fancy having some recitals which would remind me of my musical treats in Spoleto.

photos from an Exhibition

Here are some photos from the opening of my showing of Moira and Ann Beaty's paintings and drawings.

I thoroughly enjoyed my self indulgence in making this show happen !! The whisky tasting was delicious and Jamie and Mandy were the perfect deliverers of such nectar !! Matthew Hicks played and looked like an angel !! It was so wonderful to see so many guys - like ghosts from my past - turn up to see what was going on.

A Showing of the Works of Moira and Ann Beaty - Mother and Daughter.

The top photo is the fireplace in my sitting room now converted to a gallery for the works of Anne Beaty. I had not got round to hanging her fantastic and imaginative works when I took the photos for this blog. Sorry.

I have had two of Anne's paintings in my possession for a long time. I bought them when she had her graduation show at Glasgow School of Art. They have been reunited this week with another two from the same show. They belong to my friend Lesley Rankin. It is so interesting to compare these works with Ann's current images.

The other photos here are of my entrance hall now feeling like a gallery. It is so exciting to have all this work from Moira Beaty's opus. I am honoured to have such a selection of her lifetime's creativity. I have been assisted in assembling this collection by other good friends and admirers of Moira. - Sally and Alan Hobkirk.

The whole experience of doing this life enhancing presentation has been a new expansion for my character. I have learned so much about making a show of paintings. I can't wait for Sunday to come but there is still a lot to be done. I have just ordered the wine - never done that in such bulk before !! I am still emaiIing Jamie MacKenzie at Morrison Bowmore about the whisky tasting and trying to guess how many people will come. I still have to get the back room together that will house a place for a guitar recital from Matthew Hicks and a selection of drawings from both Moira and Ann. I always find it revealing to see the preparatory work that goes into the creative process.

I have spent the week checking charity shops for frames to buy at minimal prices, to spray paint white to frame these drawings. They are in all shapes and sizes !! All this week also I have been enjoying my new system of picture railing and deciding how and where to hang the works.

I did not just want a straight up hallway where everything could be seen before you get your coat off so I bought a roller blind to become a central 'wall'. I has allowed me to subdivide Moira's themes into people. flowers and landscapes. I am trying to be aware of the other features around the pictures. The furniture, the flowers, the lighting etc. This is my home and as such I hope it gives a slightly alternative accent to a showing of artworks and I hope it will add to how viewers see the artist's works. I have not retained every last item that usually hangs out in my place as the paintings are the most important feature of my house for a week from Sunday. I am loving being a gallery guy for these few days !!!

What an addition to my life of cleaning toilets, making beds and offering breakfasts !! It sure is stimulating if a wee bit tiring. I am going to find this whole event is one of the signposts in my life and look back on it with immense pleasure. I hope my guests will feel the same !!!