New brochure to promote the work of Cairngorms artists

ARTISTS in the Cairngorms National Park are to have their work showcased in a new brochure being launched this week.

The free brochure by Creative Cairngorms features and promotes the work of 26 artists, artisans, photographers and galleries. It is the first time artists from around the Park have appeared in one publication. It includes background information about their work as well as where to find the galleries and studios and contact details.

The brochure is being funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Highland and Islands Enterprise Moray (HIE Moray) and the members themselves.

Its launch coincides with the Creative Cairngorms summer exhibition – ‘The Highlands, its Landscape and Culture’ – which features work by its members. The exhibition has received funding from the CNPA, Highland 2007 and Awards for All.

Creative Cairngorms is a non profit-making organisation established last year with the help of the CNPA. It is now an independent organisation run by, and for, artists, artisans, photographers and galleries in the Park.

The brochure and the exhibition, which runs until September, will help to promote the artistic culture of the Park as well promote and strengthen local businesses. The art works themselves highlight the special natural character of the Park. These all fit in with two of the Priorities for Action for 2007-2012 in the National Park Plan (which sets out the Park’s short and long term future) – making tourism and business more sustainable and to raise awareness and understanding of the Park.

John Thorne, Economic Development Office for the CNPA, said: “Through these projects Creative Cairngorms has got off to a great start, and has a healthy, growing membership. It is an excellent example of a pro-active group supporting and promoting both its members and the Park.

“The brochure will allow them to reach more people and generate more interest in what is some very exciting art works.

“It will show the public what a wide range of talented artists we have here in the Park and help them support and buy locally made art and crafts. We wish them every success both with brochure and the exhibition.”

Barry Horning, Chairman of Creative Cairngorms, said: “The exhibition is a showcase of the very best work produced by members of the Creative Cairngorms and highlights the broad range of talent and expertise by the artists and craftsmen practising within the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park.

“The brochure is aimed at introducing the public, residents and visitors, to the talents of the artists within the Park, and to help members enhance the commercial viability of their work.”

The exhibition was launched last month, opening in Grantown. It will be at Carrbridge Village Hall from 9-12 June. Opening hours are 11.00-16.00 and 12.00-16.00 on Sunday.

Other venues are –

• Richmond Hall, Tomintoul 20-24 June (10.00-17.00 daily);
• Victoria Hall, Ballater 26 June-1 July (10.00-17.00 daily);
• Castleton Crafts Gallery, Braemar 7-14 July (10.00-17.00 daily);
• Village Hall, Glen Clova 20-22 July;
• Nethy Bridge Village Hall 24-28 July (11.00-16.00);
• T-Bar Gallery, Cairngorm Mountain, August, (dates are still to be confirmed);
• Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie 8-11 Sept 10.30-16.00 (to 13.00 on final day).

It is also hoped to visit Dinnet, though dates and venues are still being discussed.

Entry is free at all the venues, but donations are welcome.

Membership of the Creative Cairngorms is open to individuals, organisations and groups who live or work within the National Park and who support the objectives of the Association. For more information visit www.creativecairngorms.co.uk/