The Winter 2019

The Maclaurin Gallery Magazine Entry to the gallery is free MaclaPublishedur by Friends ofi then Maclaurin EDITOR’S NOTE Happy New Year to all our readers! It seems no time EVENTS

Who’s who at Maclaurin since I said that twelve months ago and yet here we JEAN ARMOUR: are looking forward to another year at the Maclaurin The Jewel of them all? Patron Gallery. THURSDAY 7TH FEBRUARY Peter Howson OBE There are a lot of new and different exhibitions in Maclaurin Gallery Trustees coming along. Right now we still have the five graduate students (all girls) the Scope Collective John Walker Chair The Maclaurin Trust whose work is quite unique Nicholas Kilpatrick as it combines traditional methods and digital art Helen M Turner with fascinating results. If you haven’t seen this yet Michael Clark be quick as the exhibition ends on January 14th. Celia Stevenson Curators Then we welcome a truly remarkable man to the Celia Stevenson Vice Chair Maclaurin Trust Gallery. Tom Craig is an artist, a teacher and a Michael Clark Permanent Collection collector who spent twenty years teaching art in Dianne Gardner Chair Programming Papua New Guinea. The interview about his life in Alan Moir Chair ‘Friends’ Papua New Guinea, Paris and now Dunure you will Caroline Lorimer Vice Chair ‘Friends’ find further through the magazine. Fiona Robertson Events Co-ordinator Friends of the Maclaurin Committee Rozelle House is presenting a first for with Alan Moir Chair Tattoo an exhibition tracing the history of tattooing Caroline Lorimer Vice Chair from centuries to the present day and there will even The role of Jean Armour in the life of Robert Burns seems to be a working tattoo booth allowing visitors the have been routinely ignored, not so much by Burns himself Douglas Gulland Treasurer chance to see a tattoo being inked onto a (brave) as by subsequent commentators. Yet Jean was a young David Reader Membership Secretary person! This exhibition is on loan to Rozelle from the woman who displayed great strength of character. Celia Stevenson Editor Maclaurin Magazine National Maritime Museum in Cornwall, the first time Author Catherine Czerkawska talks about the extensive research that went into her novel, The Jewel, and how much Fiona Robertson Events Co-ordinator it has travelled out of that county Dorothy Fisher her perspective on this extraordinary woman changed as she wrote about Jean's life with and without her famous Sheena Boyd Also coming up in the first few months of this year, husband. Gail McAulay we welcome back the Ayr Photographic Society, Jimmy McInnes whose work is always of the highest standard and Afternoon tea and shortbread. Sheila McLean Minutes Secretary Ayr Sketch Club with their annual, ever popular Information of how to obtain a place will be sent out South Council at The Maclaurin Art Gallery exhibition. in the middle if January. Laura Kerr – Coordinator, Cultural People Directorate Cultural Portfolio – Cllr Brian McGinlay There is so much art and craft going on in Ayrshire The Maclaurin Trust is a Scottish Charity No:- 12798 and I hope we have managed to feature most of it Front Cover “Bon Voyage” by Tom Craig here. Do keep sending me information about what’s happening in your part of the county, I am always delighted to hear of new and exciting ventures. Magazine design by John MacDonald Enjoy the magazine.

Editor

2 www.themaclaurin.org.uk CONTENTS

BRITISH AyR SKETCH TATTOO EDUARDO CLUB ART 5 PAOLOZZI 5 7

AyR JOHN TOM PAPUA PHOTOGRAPHIC BELLANY CRAIG NEW SOCIETY GUINEA 8 9 10 ART 13

GRAHAM KARl SPRING McKEAN14 BLOSSFELDT16 FLING 19 OPEN All MAClAURIN HISTORy

yEAR ROUND The trust was founded as a bequest from the late Mrs Mary Ellen Monday to Saturday Maclaurin, who, in her will, provided that curators appointed within the Will should, within five years of her death, build an art gallery 10am - 5pm and/or museum in Ayr to be called The Maclaurin Art Gallery in Sunday 12 noon - 5pm memory of her husband. CONTACT US The Maclaurin Art Gallery Rozelle Estate, Monument Road, Ayr, KA7 4NQ t: 01292 443708

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 3 Important Information Subscription to Friends of the Maclaurin Very many thanks to all of the ‘Friends’ who have renewed their memberships for 2018/19. At the time of writing (end of November) there are only eighteen (from 308) members who still have to renew. Hopefully most of them will have renewed by the time this edition of the Maclaurin Magazine is distributed. THE LITTLE ART SCHOOL TRUST SCIO; DEMONSTRATING TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH DE- Most members will already know that, after many years, MENTIA THE JOY OF ART the subscription payment from 2019/20 is being raised (Individual to £20 and Family/Joint to £30). This change will mean that existing payments by Standing Recent research by St Andrews University in the Ayr- Order will, by 1st July, have to be altered accordingly. shire based charity’s Art in A Suitcase Project goes It would be helpful if members could take the necessary global action, altering the payment amount to the Friends of the Maclaurin, now at the TSB in Prestwick, The Little Art School Trust is starting 2019 with great Sort Code 87-37-67, A/c No. 77726468, hope and optimism. The Ayrshire based charity payment reference being your surname and post code. delivers free drawing and painting lessons to people living with dementia. In 2018 the charity began general wellbeing of people with dementia At the moment time is on our side but at some point before throughout this year. It’s a wonderful thought that next July this action is required. Next year new ‘Become a taking their art lessons in care homes in Friend’ leaflets, with the altered Standing Order incorpo- (they have been in South Ayrshire since 2015) after potentially important discoveries in the field of rated, will be printed. winning the STV People’s Project. This year classes will dementia research are taking place right here in be taken into North Ayrshire. Ayrshire. The journal was re-published in David Reader, Membership Secretary The incredible effects of these art lessons has Australia, so we can say that the Little Art School’s recently been explored in research carried out by reach has become global very quickly! St Andrews University. This research, published in the AS a charity fundraising is vital to the survival of the Journal for Dementia Care, validates the Little Art Little Art School Trust. The charity will host their School Trust’s course and demonstrates the annual major fundraising event, Ladies Day at Trump effectiveness of the project’s scaffolded approach. Turnberry, on 11th May 2019. The research concluded with the summary that the This glittering event will be hosted by Newsnight’s Little Art School Trust’s classes demonstrate what Kirsty Wark with music by Angelstar and promises to people living with dementia CAN do. be a day to remember. To find out how to book tickets for this prestigious event please email St Andrews University are set to expand their [email protected]. research into the effects of the art lessons on

Ariana, Ling and James from Lyon & Turnbull who kept a DUNURE ART ClASS capacity audience busy working out their competition to guess the age and value of the items they set before us. Douglas Gulland who came first in the Lyon and Turnbull competition receiving his award

The ninth Boswell Book Festival will take place from 10-12 May 2019. Speakers at the Festival will be announced in the new year, and the programme will be launched in March. Early booking will be exclusively available for Festival Friends and Patrons for a few days before the tickets go on general release. Why not plan ahead for Bozzy‘s next exceptional The Dunure Art Class, run by artist and teacher Whether you are an experienced artist or are just programme of talks and events - please put the date Tom Rennie, is now enrolling for the new year and starting out, you’ll be very welcome and have the in your diary and tell your friends. As always it will be has a number of places available. opportunity to practise and improve your brimming with a mix of life stories which would have The classes take place every Wednesday, in the Drawing and Painting skills in a friendly and delighted Ayrshire’s James Boswell, the inventor of Kennedy Hall, right by the beach, in the beautiful inspiring environment. modern biography and once again, South Ayrshire village of Dunure. will provide the welcoming backdrop to the There is a morning class and an afternoon class. weekend. Come to either, or come for the day. Tom will also be running a series of Art Workshops in the early New Year, so look out for those. For details on how to become a Friend please The ancient Castle of Dunure and the 17th century go to the website: https://www.boswellbookfesti- harbour are right outside the door and with views val.co.uk/index.php/festival-information/support over the sea towards Arran, the Mull of Kintyre You can call Tom on 07833 516 049 To join the mailing list go to: and Ireland, the class takes advantage of an or email – [email protected] https://www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk/index.php/fe amazing location. stival-information/mailing-list

4 www.themaclaurin.org.uk ROzEllE HOUSE MUSEUM & GAllERIES

TATTOO: BRITISH TATTOO ART REVEAlED

Saturday 19th January to Sunday 3rd March

Archive, photo by Paul Abbitt

Mermaid of Zennor

Jessie Knight archive

A major exhibition curated by The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, with guest curator Dr Matt Lodder, makes its only Scottish appearance, showcasing the eye-catching world of tattoo art.

Arts at Rozelle are also working with Sean Cahill and Gordon Killin of the Petal Faced Gypsy Tattoo Studio in Prestwick, who will be showcasing their talent and skills live, in a specially built studio to accompany the exhibition. Torso, photo by Paul Abbitt Hands By Luke Hayes EDUARDO PAOlOzzI:

GENERAl DyNAMIC F.U.N.

Sunday 24th March – Sunday 26th May

Fifty kaleidoscopic prints created between 1965 and 1970 by pioneer of Pop Art, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, which transform the derelict and the mass-produced into images that impress with their graphic complexity.

The artist's friend and sometime collaborator, J.G. Ballard, described General Dynamic F.U.N. as a 'unique guidebook to the electric garden of our minds'.

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 5 THE MAClAURIN ART GAllERy

DIVERSITy OF DIGITAl ART

Until Sunday 13th January 2019

Brought to us by ‘Scope Collective’, a group of five young female artists who are experimenting with what it means to create digital art. Each member utilizes a variety of digital and analogue techniques to create their works blurring the line between the two.

ARTIST - TEACHER - COllECTOR

“Burst of Light and Rain” by Tom Craig Etching by Cecil King Wungi

TOM CRAIG

Sunday 27th January - Saturday 2nd March 2019

Recent paintings inspired by the panoramic sea view from his Ayrshire studio window; work produced by Tom's students and artists in Papua New Guinea; plus, traditional Papua New Guinean pottery and artefacts from his fantastic collection of native art collected by Tom throughout the duration of his 20 year stay.

“Insect” by Jakupa

6 www.themaclaurin.org.uk

ANNUAl ExHIBITION

Sunday 10th March – Sunday 28th April

Founded in 1901 Ayr Sketch Club is a mixed friendly group of professional and talented artists, with a long tradition of encouraging artistic pursuits in drawing and painting. “Fishing Loch Fyne” by Helen M Turner

“Ruby Charm” by Susan Macinnes “Ayr Bay” by John MacDonald

“Positano, Dusk” by Keith Osborne “Carrick Landscape” by Dianne Gardner

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 7 THE MAClAURIN ART GAllERy

TWElVE AyRSHIRE COlOURISTS

Saturday 23rd March Sunday 28th April

The Maclaurin Gallery has invited Twelve Ayrshire Colourists, under the MACART umbrella to a Spring exhibition of their work. They are all visual artists with their own special magic and ability to give the onlooker an artistic adventure which is both exciting and absorbing. The sheer variety in styles and interpretation is, in its self, dynamic. Not a large exhibition but, like diamonds, a very special one indeed. During this exhibition Carol Dewart will demonstrate her way of working, another event not to be missed. Dates for this will be announced.

The participating artists are:- Charles Jamieson PAI PPAI MFA, Jacqueline Orr RSW RGI PAI, James Harrigan, Claire Harrigan RSW, James Orr, Frank Colclough, Carol Dewart PAI, Douglas Lennox, Suzan Malcolm PPAI HPAI, Jim Wylie Helen M Turner PPAI PAI Ian Elliott DA.

AyR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETy ANNUAl ExHIBITION

Sunday 31st March – Sunday 5th May

Ayr Photographic Society members’ present work covering a broad range of subjects in a wide variety of photographic styles – earning their reputation as one of Scotland’s leading photographic clubs. “Street Trader” Raymond Douglas

“Huddled for Heat” Bill Ryder www.themaclaurin.org.uk 8 Harbour Road, Irvine KA12 8QE Open daily, 10am – 5pm Admission Adult £7.50 Concession £5.50/ Children Free (up to three children with each adult admission) www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org Telephone 01274 278283 Email [email protected]

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the Museum admission.

ONE OF JOHN BEllANy’S ‘KEy WORKS’ ACQUIRED By THE SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSEUM

After remaining in private ownership for some 55 Whilst Bellany’s works have been exhibited across Bellany painted ‘The Boat Builders’ in 1962 whilst years, one of the earliest and most significant the world and purchased by collectors including Sean attending Edinburgh College of Art, where he met paintings by internationally acclaimed artist the late Connery and David Bowie, ‘The Boat Builders’ has Helen, an artist in her own right. John Bellany CBE will go on permanent public display rarely been seen in public remaining, until now, in the as part of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s new ownership of John Bellany and, more lately, the Commanding over 3 metres by 5 metres, the huge oil on national art collection. Estate of John Bellany. board painting captures construction of a seine netter inscribed with the name ‘Good Hope’ and the words Helen Bellany, the artist’s partner and muse, unveiled One of the most influential Scottish painters since ‘BELLANY’ at the stern. ‘The Boat Builders’ at the painting’s new home at the the war, Bellany sailed against the tide of realism Scottish Maritime Museum on the Harbourside in and abstraction from the start of his career in the ‘The Boat Builders’ is on show until the end of March. Irvine calling it “one of the key works of his career” 1960s. It will then undergo conservation work before return- and a symbol of their life-long journey together. ing to permanent display at the Scottish Maritime The Scottish Maritime Museum acquired, ‘The Boat Working prolifically to re-establish a native, Museum. Builders’ by John Bellany (1942-2013) with £95,000 figurative art, he drew on his life growing up in a family from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), of fishermen and boatbuilders in Port Seton, near £90,000 from the Art Fund and £15,000 from the Edinburgh, and the sea was a familiar subject of his National Fund for Acquisitions. work.

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 9 Tom Craig lives in Dunure where his studio has TOM CRAIG • ARTIST • TEACHER • COllECTOR an uninterrupted view of the Firth of Clyde. Talking to Celia Stevenson It is this view, changing as it does with the weather and the tides that fascinates him and imbues his canvasses with such vigour and life.

Tom graduated from Glasgow School Art in 1961, did a teacher’s training course at Jordanhill followed by two years teaching art in Glasgow schools, but as a “Darkening Skies” young man with an unfulfilled yearning for adventure he found himself answering an advert for a teaching post in Papua New Guinea. Well why not he thought and off he went.

“Evening Passage” On arrival in this far- flung island Tom was sent to a quite remote area where he reported for duty. “What are you here to teach” he was asked – “Erm art” said Tom” “That will be interesting” came the rejoinder “as we don’t have an art department or any art materials, so perhaps you should start by building the classroom you intend to use” This he did and with the help of local craftsmen the school got its art department. It wasn’t long before word of Tom’s prowess as a teacher got to the ears of officialdom and he was asked to found the first ever Art School in Papua New Guinea. This was to be at Port Moresby the capital of the island and when Tom arrived to take up his post he was given a house in an otherwise empty valley and encouraged to build his art school from scratch. This was getting to be the pattern of his life. He set about the task establishing not only the school but a national curriculum for art with an official recognized Diploma in Art to be awarded for the set courses. “Come and Become an Artist” by Jakupa

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 10 Tom was fascinated by the local culture and the A case in point was the art school cleaner a fellow wonderful artefacts the Papuan people crafted and called Jakupa a completely natural artist, had obviously been making for thousands of years. Tom encouraged his talent and he is now recognized He was keen that his Art School built on these native as one of the outstanding artists in the islands. skills and did not try to impose western values upon Another artist taught by Tom is Kauage, again now an enormously creative people. “I was afraid that the well known by aficionados of oriental art. Papuans might lose their culture, so I made sure that I Tom presented one of Kauage’s slilkscreen printsto encouraged their natural talent” HM Queen Elizabeth and the letter of thanks he received is on display among the Papua New Guinea artefacts he brought home that will be in the exhibition

“Rain Storm, Holy Isle” “Rolling Waves”

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 11 “Early Mist, Holy Isle” “I went to Papua New Guinea for three years and stayed twenty” says Tom and there is no doubt TOM CRAIG • ARTIST • TEACHER • COllECTOR these islands had a huge impact on his life.

During his time there he became the ‘go to person’ for all branches of the arts being involved with theatre, music and government, but this level of activity left no time for him to pursue his own painting. As an aside he tells me that he played football for Papua New Guinea and went to the Commonwealth Games to represent them at pistol shoting. He came fifth overall. All this was to change when his French wife suggested they go to live in Paris where she could work and he could paint. So, with his wife and their son they moved to Paris, where Tom was once again able to paint. His work was popular and he has exhibited in many influential French galleries, winning the Prix d’Excellence in Arles. He left Paris in 2001 returning to Scotland settling eventually in Dunure. “Crocodile Rock, Dunure”

“Lobster Creels” “Late Evening” This exhibition will include: Tom's most recent paintings inspired by the panoramic sea view from his studio window; work produced by Tom's students and artists in Papua New Guinea; a collection of 100 pieces of traditional Papua New Guinean pottery and assorted artefacts collected by Tom throughout the duration of his 20 year stay.

12 www.themaclaurin.org.uk PAPUA NEW GUINEA ART

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 13 ExHIBITIONS

Monday 18 February - Friday 17 May A Celebration of Dalgarven Mill Irvine Townhouse Free Entry

An insight into the history and collections of Dalgarven Mill Museum. This historic building set in the countryside between Dalry and Kilwinning houses important collections of costume, country life and the history of the Mill buildings themselves. Delve into this fascinating story in this display at Irvine Townhouse.

Tuesday 19 March – Thursday 25 April Dalry Camera Club Harbour Arts Centre, Studio Gallery Free entry (Check access before visiting)

Founded in 2012, Dalry Camera Club small group of photography enthusiasts. Meeting fortnightly in Dalry Community Centre, on a Thursday evening. Holding regular competitions, exhibitions and tuition evenings. In the summer we try and get out with our cameras on organised day trips. Our main aim is to have fun and learn on the way. Anyone interested in "Rabbie and Jean" by Graham McKean coming along will be made very welcome.

Monday 14 January – Monday 1 April Please note, that access to the Studio Gallery can be Robert Burns: An Exhibition of Prints Robert Burns themed prints by Courtyard Studio limited due to classes and workshops. We recommend by Graham McKean artist Graham McKean. From the North Ayrshire calling the box office on 01294 274059 to check Irvine Townhouse, John Galt Gallery, Free Entry Council collection. availability before popping in.

Friday 18 January – Friday 1 March Nature’s Way: An Exhibition of Work by Astrid Weigel Harbour Arts Centre, Main Galleries Using bold graphic designs and colours influenced by Free Entry the ‘Mid-Century’ design of the 50s, she adds a seriously contemporary twist that makes her work a Astrid Weigel is a Textile designer/artist living and ‘must have’ for nature loving design enthusiasts or working in Ayrshire. Her home and studio overlook those that just want something different for their the rolling hills of the Irvine Valley which have house. Her distinctive work allow us to look afresh at provided inspiration for her work for the past the familiar and see nature again, as if for the first 15 years. time.

Monday 28 January - Wednesday 1 May A look at the history of the Ardeer factory, the prod- Nobel Times ucts that were made and the people who worked Heritage Centre there. A wealth of artwork, objects, interviews and Free Entry photographs to celebrate this huge part of North Ayr- shire’s history.

14 www.themaclaurin.org.uk ClASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Sunday 20 January and Sunday 10 February Friday 15 February bring along any bits & pieces you may want to use. Experimenting with Watercolour Techniques Ayrshire Arts & Crafts Workshops: LEVEL: beginners/intermediate adults; we will be Harbour Arts Centre Glass Painting using craft knives to 10.30am - 1.30 pm Harbour Arts Centre cut stencils. For more information please contact £20 10am - 1pm Astrid at [email protected] £35 (all materials included)

Come along to our beginners glass painting workshop Sunday 3 March and Sunday 24 March and leave with a beautiful glass painted roundel. To Watercolour Workshop: Nature book please email [email protected] Harbour Arts Centre 10.30am - 1.30pm £20

Aimed at all abilities, this workshop provides a relax- ing approach to experimenting with watercolour techniques using a variety of flora/fauna images, Flowers, foliage. Please bring along your own brushes. Paper, paint, images provided. Thank you. To book please email Maree Hughes at mareehughe- [email protected]

Aimed at all abilities this is the opportunity to try out watercolour painting techniques using a variety of materials such as gouache, ink, watercolour pencils, bleach etc. Please bring along your own brushes, paint, paper images/subject matter provided. Thank you. To book please email Maree Hughes at maree- [email protected]

Sunday 24 February Thursday 31 January – Thursday 21 March Make Your Own Lightshade with artist Art Classes with Maree Hughes Astrid Weigel Harbour Arts Centre Harbour Arts Centre 7pm – 9pm 11am – 3pm £56 (8 week block) £45 (plus ticket fee)

Book now for a new 8 week block Thursday evening adult art class. Try out a new hobby, improve on exist- ing skills or try out new techniques. Suitable for be- ginners, the class covers basic practises of drawing and painting with plenty of guidance and support. Sunday 14 April and Sunday 5 May April This is a chance to try out different drawing and Watercolour Workshop: Jug & Flowers painting methods while developing your own style Harbour Arts Centre and ideas. Experiment with charcoal, pastels, water- 10.30am to 1.30pm colours and acrylics. Some materials supplied. For £20 more information please contact Maree Hughes at [email protected]. Aimed at all abilities this is a simple still life water- colour workshop looking at composition, colour and tone. These workshops aim to provide a relaxing at- Thursday 31 January – Thursday 21 March mosphere to help you develop your painting abilities. Write Down the Harbour – Writers Group Please bring along your own brushes. Paper, paint, Harbour Arts Centre images provided. Thank you. To book please email 7pm – 9pm Maree Hughes at [email protected] £48

Words have power. Words can soar. Words can be Friday 26 April beautiful beyond… words. Learn how to choose Ayrshire Arts and Crafts Workshops: them, shape them and set them free in a new cre- Decoupage Workshop ative writing class. Learn how to assemble a unique 20 cm diameter Harbour Arts Centre The tutor, David McLaughlan has more books to his lampshade using your very own hand printed fabric. 10am - 1pm name than he can remember, he is Wayfarer in Ever- Part 1 - I will show you how to design and cut your £35 (All materials included) green Magazine, Francis Gay in The Sunday Post, and stencils and print onto fabric to create a personal & he wrote Dennis the Menace for The Beano. He loves unique design. Part 2 - using your fabric I will show Come along to our beginners’ workshop and leave what words can do and delights in helping others dis- you how to assemble a 20 cm diameter drum shaped with a beautiful decoupage mirror. To book please cover their inner writer. lampshade. All materials supplied but feel free to email [email protected]

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 15 Karl Blossfeldt, Artforms in Nature 9 Feb - 11 May DO ART at the DI! Adult & Young People Art Classes Main Gallery Free Children’s Art Classes Block 1: Thurs 17 Jan – 7 Feb (4 weeks - £22) Block 2: Thurs 21 Feb – 28 March (6 weeks - £36) Karl Blossfeldt: Art Forms in Nature is a Hayward Block 1: Thurs 17 Jan - 7 Feb (4 weeks - £20) 6pm-7.30pm. Gallery Touring exhibition from the Southbank Centre, Block 2: Thurs 21 Feb – 28 March (6 weeks - £30) London, which presents an original portfolio of 40 4pm-5.30pm. Age 14+. photogravures from 1932, entitled ‘Wundergarten der Booking Essential - Tel: 01563 554343 Natur’, edited by the artist and published in the year Age 7+. or 554900 of his death. The exhibition presents an opportunity Booking Essential - Tel: 01563 554343 to witness an exemplary set of Blossfeldt’s signature or 554900 Taking inspiration from the visual art exhibitions and close-up images of plants and flora. displays at the Dick Institute, professional artist Fiona Blossfeldt (1865-1932) is regarded as one of the Come and get creative at the Dick Institute’s children’s Fleming will guide you through a variety of art ap- defining photographers of the twentieth century for art club! Be inspired by our visual art exhibitions in proaches in this relaxed, informal and sometimes un- his exceptional contribution to the art through his in- the galleries and create your own works of art using a conventional art class! Exploring disciplined tricate botanical photographs. During his career, range of mediums such as paint, print and ceramics! techniques and also delving into the more experimen- which spanned over three decades and included 6,000 tal, participants will explore a range of art mediums photographs. Blossfeldt developed homemade cam- and materials to help improve drawing skills. Suitable eras and lenses which enabled him to magnify his for complete beginners to the more experienced. subjects by up to 30 times. In doing so he captured the microcosmic aesthetic of his specimens and re- vealed the underlying structures of nature, which until then remained unexplored.

Dean Castle Collections at the Dick Institute North Museum Gallery Free Access

From early 2019, Dean Castle will undergo major re- pair and refurbishment works. As a result, the Castle’s fabulous and important collec- tions of early musical instruments, arms and armour, tapestries and more have been brought to the Dick In- * All images part of: ‘Wundergarten der Natur’, 1932 stitute for safe-keeping, and for a period of around 2 © Estate of Karl Blossfeldt years these collections will be displayed and stored in Courtesy Hayward Touring the North Museum. A series of events, workshops, recitals and displays will take place to let visitors get an in-depth look at these collections.

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 16 DICK INSTITUTE Elmbank Avenue, , KA1 3BU Tel: 01563 554343 Library 01563 554300 eastayrshireleisure.com Opening Times: Tues & Wed: 10am – 6pm. Thurs: 1am – 8pm Fri & Sat : 10am – 4pm Closed public holidays The Dick Institute is a fully accessible venue with limited allocated parking to the rear, 4 star venue. Free entry.

Arts & Museum Explorers Explorers Puppet Animation Easter Camp at the Dick Institute, Burns House Museum, Baird Institute Tue 9 - Thu 11 April 9.30am-4.30pm Block 1 – 29 Jan – 28 Feb (4 weeks) 7-12 YEARS Block 2 – 5 March –28 March (4 weeks) 3 Day Camp £60 (with a sharing performance at 4.30pm on Thu 11 April) Ignite your curiosity with our weekly EXPLORERS CLUBS, for children aged 3 - 7 years to Work with our creative team to make your own enjoy a creative interactive experience that immerses ‘Night at the Museum’ inspired story with puppetry you in the stories, objects and spaces in and around and animation, then perform it within the our wonderful Arts & Museums venues. atmospheric surrounds of the Dick Institute museum. Bring the museum to life, lighting it up using shadow TEENY (3-5 YRS) play, projections and illusion with the historical Engage the senses with creative fun, story, song, objects and characters discovered there! imagination, discovery, explorations and tactile Activities will include story-making and script devis- sensations. For children and their grown-ups! ing, visual art and puppet making, digital stop-motion animation in the new Dick Institute IT DICK INSTITUTE · TUE · 1.45PM-2.30PM suite, performance and technical delivery at a sharing BURNS HOUSE · WED · 2PM-2.45PM for friends and family at the end of the 3 days BAIRD INSTITUTE · THU · 1.45PM-2.30PM

£10 per block or £2.50 per session

WEE (5-7 YRS) Join in with performance, movement, storytelling, arts & crafts to discover and explore the fascinating displays, exhibitions and collections.

BURNS HOUSE MUSEUM WED · 3.30PM - 4.30PM £16 per block or £4 per session

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 17 eastayrshireleisure.com

THE BAIRD INSTITUTE DEAN CASTlE BURNS HOUSE MUSEUM 3 Lugar St, , KA18 1AD Dean Castle & Country Park, Dean Rd, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB T: 01290 427084 T: 01563 554734 & lIBRARy eastayrshireleisure.com eastayrshireleisure.com Castle Street, , KA5 5BZ Thu 12.30-4.40pm & 5pm-8pm Park and grounds open all year round. T: 01290 550045 Fri & Sat: 10am-4pm Castle and Visitor Centre open: eastayshireleisure.com Closed public holidays Oct – March, 10am - 4pm, Wed – Sun TUE: 10.30am-1.40pm, 2pm-6pm, April – Sep, 11am - 5pm daily WED: 10.30am-1.40pm, 2pm-6pm, The Baird Institute is a fully accessible venue. Access is limited to areas of the castle 4 star venue. Free entry THU: 1.30pm-4.40pm, 5pm-8pm, FRI & SAT: 10.30am-4pm Dean Castle's £5.2M restoration and modernisation Word & Image – A Brief History of Printing Access is limited to some areas of the museum. project to allow essential stonework restoration Closed public holidays, 4 star venue. Free entry. Thu 17 Jan - Sat 27 April alongside internal modernisation and redisplay will

begin in early 2019. Burns’ Birthday in Mauchline The development of printing allowed people to repro- The Country Park remains open and you can find out duce written words and images cheaply. It enabled Sun 27 Jan · 12 Noon-4pm more about the redevelopment project at the Visitor FREE individuals across the world, to share these words and Centre as well as how to get involved in the project. images with huge numbers of their fellow human be- Now in its fourth year, our event celebrating the life You can explore the grounds to find out more about of Robert Burns in Mauchline continues to grow, ings long before the internet was dreamt of. the history of the castle and the estate. The Castle's The impact which printing technologies have had on bringing together local communities and attracting collections will be on display at the Dick Institute more visitors to the area to celebrate our national our culture over the past 600 years is difficult to over- until the end of the project in 2020. estimate. Featuring prints, paintings and artefacts bard. Please join us for an afternoon of art work- shops, kirkyard tours, storytelling, performances and from East Ayrshire Council’s own collections, this exhi- The Country Park reopened after extensive works and bition considers the many different ways in which much more! Suitable for the whole family and partici- now you can explore more of Dean Castle Country pation is completely FREE. craftsmen, artists and communicators have used the Park than ever before with two new bridges and new wide range of print technologies which have become paths linking Kennedy Drive to the core of the park. available to them over the centuries. Let the kids expend some energy in the improved The exhibition will also focus on the story of the local playpark and find out more about wildlife, biodiver- newspaper – the Cumnock Chronicle. Established in sity and sustainability in the Rural Life Centre. Record 1901, it was the first locally managed, produced and the plant life and animals that you’ve seen in the visi- printed newspaper in Cumnock. Although its offices tor centre and sample the delicious menu in the are now based outside the town, to this day, the bright and airy Pinecones café. There’s an annual cal- Chronicle remains Cumnock’s own newspaper. endar of events and festivals throughout the year too

Café Nights Introducing a series of evenings in the Pinecones café with exclusive themed menus throughout the year. For £25pp you will receive a delicious 3 course meal at our pop-up licenced restaurant. Set menus will be published 3 weeks before each evening on our website and social media platforms.

25 January - Celebrating the best of Scottish fayre.

15 February – Welcome in the Year of the Pig with a Chinese menu.

15 March – Toast St Patrick’s weekend with a selection of food from the Emerald Isle.

12 April - Take a culinary trip to Greece on our Portrait of Duncan Ballantine – editor of Cumnock mezze night. Chronicle – artist Bonar Lyon

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 18 NEWS FROM SPRING FlING AND UPlAND

By Joanna Macaulay, Events and Exhibitions Manager Spring Fling visitors love meeting and talking to for Upland Arts Development CIC, which runs artists and makers about their lives and working Spring Fling practices, and often would love the chance to learn some of their skills. This year’s Spring Fling open studios weekend has a So this year we are expanding our workshops real sense of freshness, welcoming a whole series of programme to offer a whole variety of opportunities new and emerging artists and makers. during May.

Taking place all across Dumfries and Galloway Full details will be on our website from February. And from 25 to 27 May it will involve a diverse selection if you sign up to become a Friend of Spring Fling you of 94 visual artists, textile designers, jewellery mak- get priority booking. ers, wood workers, ceramicists and others. And as ever we hope that Spring Fling will not just be a chance to enjoy some wonderful, high quality, art Among the 11 new faces is Giulia Florista, exhibiting and craft but also a welcome opportunity to explore in Castle Douglas, whose vibrant Italian-themed one of the most beautiful rural regions of Scotland. scarves are bright, contemporary and eye-catching delight. Find out more at www.spring-fling.co.uk Glenda Waterworth and www.weareupland.com. Different again is Glenda Waterworth, who creates striking and bold abstract paintings in her studio overlooking Luce Bay.

Spring Fling, and its parent organisation Upland Arts Development CIC, tries hard to support those at the start of their careers.

This year we have a new graduates scheme that provides a platform for two artists or makers from anywhere in Scotland. The event will introduce visitors to the work of the scheme’s first beneficiaries, ceramicist Hannah Spicer from Troon and painter Jennifer Hastie from Glasgow.

We will also have Jordan Chisholm and Sarah Rogers, who were selected for the annual Emerge scheme Giulia Fiorista that offers bursaries, nine months of mentorship from an established artist and the chance to take part in the open studios weekend. Miles-Moore Then there’s installation artist David Rushton, runs MERZ Gallery in Sanquhar. And while Spring Fling is primarily a showcase for Rushton has been busy establishing himself and the Dumfries and Galloway-based creativity we also in- gallery with a number of projects from exhibitions vite Springbacks – people with links to the region with new works by Charles Jencks, through to a who are currently elsewhere in the world. schools mural project celebrating the town as the Robyn Cove will return from Cardiff to show her crossing point of the Southern Uplands Way and the functional and beautiful wheel thrown pottery, cycle route from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Jesse Bell will be coming from Ireland with a selection of jewellery, while Kate Mink joins us from Landscape painter Caroline Hone, a recent arrival in California where she is a mixed media artist, Dumfries and Galloway, is another newcomer. printmaker and ceramicist. Her work aims to capture the essence of places she loves, such as the Outer Hebrides and North West Another well-established feature of the event is the Highlands. Neighbours Scheme, which strengthens our links with the surrounding regions and brings in some In the west of the region we have a clutch of three superb exhibitors. participants who underline the range of this year’s event. Among them is the ever-popular Ayrshire willow artist and sculptor Geoff Forrest and the Cumbrian Jane Fraser works primarily in wood, including potters Siobhan and Martin Miles-Moore, who driftwood from the region’s shoreline, attracted a great deal of interest last year with pieces while Linda Irving is a felt artist whose land and glazed using burnt sawdust from 7,000-year old bog Geoff Forrest seascapes are richly textured and colourful. oak.

www.themaclaurin.org.uk 19 “Men of God” Bobby Johnstone “Tam and Maggies hour of need” Graham McKean

“Two Bulk Carriers” by Tom Craig Papua New Guinae Art

“West Coast Sunset” by Sandra Ratcliffe “Rocky Shore” by Jim Wylie