Arts / ‘Every child is an artist’ – Hillswick gallery opens its door with exhibition created by local kids
THE WEAVING Shed Gallery in Hillswick opens its doors for the first time this year to host an art exhibition with the theme of Shetland My Home.
Composed of a selection of drawings and paintings by children of 5-15 years old from the Urafirth Ability Shetland youth club, the exhibition showcases the children’s feelings about what it means to them to live in Shetland.
The children have been nurtured by their school art teacher Sarah Mullay who has encouraged them to interpret the theme in their own way and through different mediums.
Club leader Alex Purbrick said she had organised the exhibition because of a belief that is rooted in Pablo Picasso’s famous quote that “every child is an artist”.
“I wanted the children to feel proud of their artistic talents and show their drawings off to friends, family and the wider community,” she said.
“I believe art should be accessible to all ages and abilities which also runs with the philosophy of our Ability Shetland club which encourages all children to feel socially and physically included in their local community.”
There are currently 27 primary age children in the club, with nine teenage volunteers. Organisers are hoping the exhibition will raise funds for Ability Shetland with a raffle and entry donations.
Shetland my Home will be open on the weekends of the 19th/20th and 26th/27th of June between 12pm and 5pm.
Meanwhile, the summer craft fair at Bonhoga Gallery opened last week with the second group of local artists and makers. The event is a partnership between Shetland Arts and Shetland Arts and Crafts Association.
Andrea Williamson uses local wool and finest lambswool to design contemporary knitted textiles with a traditional Shetland influence.
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Paparwark Furniture designs and manufactures contemporary bespoke furniture to commission including a hand-crafted range of traditional Shetland furniture.
The Pottery, North Roe makes a variety of ceramics in natural organic shapes influenced by the colours, wild places and traditions of Northmavine.
Sarah Kay Arts creates Shetland scenes, using experiment casting and liquid resin to create artwork and keepsakes from Shetland, inspired by the sky and sea.
Shetland on Canvas prints landscapes and seascapes by photographer, Kim Marie Rendall on high quality canvas, mounts, calendars, cards and gifts.
People can visit shetlandarts.org to book a free ticketed time slot or call Bonhoga during the opening hours above on 01595 745750.
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