A popular part of East Dunbartonshire's cultural calendar is celebrating a golden milestone this year.
The 50th Annual Art Exhibition is being held at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch from 3 September to 26 October 2022.
It will be judged once again by acclaimed artist and founder Dick Stevenson, and his daughter Jackie Stevenson, a renowned artist in her own right.
The exhibition was created by Mr Stevenson in 1970 to showcase local amateur and professional artists, and was initially held in his small Townhead gallery.
That inspired then-Provost Bill Leslie to suggest an exhibition/competition in Kirkintilloch Town Hall in 1971. It has grown from there to a popular annual celebration at the Auld Kirk Museum.
This year's show - which is supported by the Auld Kirk and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust - will feature the work of approximately 80-100 artists from all over East Dunbartonshire.
The official opening and prize-giving ceremony takes place on Saturday 3 September from 2.30pm.
Honours will include the Anne Stevenson Memorial Prize for the best watercolour, named after Mr Stevenson’s late first wife and Jackie’s mother. The winner will receive a silver salver and a beautiful Anne Morrison ceramic pot, purchased by the family.
As well as a wide array of art, the exhibition will also include a small display of past memorabilia.
Mr Stevenson said, "The 50th event could not be held as planned due to the pandemic, but we were determined to mark the milestone as soon as it was possible to do so safely. I'm delighted we have been able to organise the exhibition again in the Auld Kirk Museum - once more showcasing the excellent work of fellow artists from all over East Dunbartonshire."
Jim Neill, Chair of EDLC Trust, added, "Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the latest collection. As well as being an inspirational celebration, it is also a great opportunity to purchase an original and unique piece of art. I hope as many people as possible take the chance to drop in."
There are three prizes:
- The Anne Stevenson Memorial Prize
- The Jack Lucas Memorial Quaich
- The Civic Purchase Prize.
The 50th Annual Art Exhibition takes place from 3 September to 26 October 2022, at the Auld Kirk Museum, Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission free.
For more information, call 0141 777 3013 or visit the edlc website.
* Pictured above is a watercolour by Michael Gahagan, entitled 'Street Life, The Rogano', which won the Anne Stevenson Memorial Prize in 2019.
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