The Maclaurin Art Gallery News

Friday night saw a great turn out at the opening of the Degree Show for NEW MEDIA ART course at University of the West of Scotland. It's a super show of work currently on in the Patrons Gallery, running until the 5 May.

TEMPUS FUGIT - PETER HOWSON A PLAYLIST FOR FIONNBARR - FRANK MCFADDEN Two stunning new exhibitions will open at the Maclaurin on Saturday 30th March. Peter Howson’s TEMPUS FUGIT is displayed to advantage in the two largest galleries, giving space for the work to breathe. Howson, who is the Patron of the gallery, has produced some exceptional work, much of it brand new. The title in its true translation of the Latin reminds us that time passing can never be regained. There is a real clarity about the artist’s intention in this work. It is not always comfortable viewing - crowds, fighting, fire, despair, all with a strong political awareness but at the same time communicating the personal fear and angst Howson needs to share with us. Given the times in which we live we can all relate to this theme. Howson reminds us of this message, to which we need to pay heed. It is very fitting that Howson and McFadden should be exhibiting at the same time. They met many years ago when McFadden approached Howson about his work. Howson saw the potential and they have worked closely ever since. McFadden’s A PLAYLIST FOR FIONNBARR is quirky and visually fascinating, often very beautiful in an unexpected way. On one level the work is very much a personal exploration, advice from a grandfather to a grandchild - namely that the arts are important, as is the ability to think for yourself. However, a closer inspection reveals so much more. McFadden is telling us that we cannot live without the arts, they are not some sort of add-on or a pleasant diversion, they are essential. They provide a harbour from the hazards and horrors of the world. That said, he also reminds us of our own mortality, calling attention to a finite amount of time we possess to make up our own minds.

Saturday 27 January until Thursday 7 March 2024 Our first exhibition of the year and what better way to start it than with this popular show; always a crowd pleaser! In fact, Ayr Sketch Club has been exhibiting with us since our doors opened back in 1977, some 47 years ago! They currently have around 50 active members and their work (for sale) will be shown in 3 of our galleries. For those who would like more information about the Club, hop onto their website at www.ayrsketchclub.com . We look forward to your visit here at the gallery.

Sunday saw the opening of the SSA's Annual Exhibition and we are delighted to host this special event here at the Maclaurin, the first time the exhibition has been shown in the West of Scotland. The gallery was super busy as we heard opening speeches from the Chair of the Maclaurin Trust, John Walker and SSA President Vasile Toch. There was also a moment of reflection and tribute to a very special lady, our vice chair, Celia Judge, who recently passed. This show runs until 14 January and all artwork is for sale, with 5 galleries brimming full of wonderful wall art, sculpture, installations and more. If ever there was a must see exhibition, this is it!

We had a lovely opening at the weekend to our Save the Children exhibition. This is always a favourite and such a worthy cause with 40% of sales going to the charity. There are 200 artworks on display in 3 of our galleries, along with raffle tickets to a fantastic prize very kindly donated by the late HelenTurner's family. This show will run until Sunday 29 October. Call in and see the great selection of artwork for sale from your favourite artists!