Kelvin Artists Exhibition at the Auld Kirk Museum

Thursday friends inspire new exhibition at the Auld Kirk Museum!

Forget the bestselling books, a Thursday club of a different kind has led to the latest show at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch.

The 'Kelvin Artists Exhibition' features works by Katie Blackie, Ian Hutchinson, Margie Kanaiah, Betty Layden, Carol McCandlish and Val Pearson.

The artists meet in the Barony Chambers, next to the Auld Kirk, on Thursday mornings to paint and create together.

The exhibition features a varied selection of pieces inspired by East Dunbartonshire's places and people.

Councillor Jim Gibbons – Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, which runs the Auld Kirk – said, "We're delighted to highlight the works of the Kelvin Artists – who draw on their surroundings to inspire, intrigue and entertain. I hope as many people as possible take the chance to go along."

Val Pearson is one of the Kelvin Artists – who all hail from Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch Lenzie and Milngavie. The retirees met and became friends through their passion for art.

Val said, “We’ve individually shown works in places such as the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow and the Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie, but haven't held an exhibition like this before. The Auld Kirk approached us and we were delighted to accept. Works include street scenes, landscapes, portraits and nature – the whole gambit!

“The pictures are for sale and are very reasonably priced. There are also many unframed paintings – all original artworks. Please come along – as well as enjoying the exhibition, you might find the perfect Christmas gift.”

The Auld Kirk is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.

More information on the featured artists:

Kate Blackie Kate has always loved to draw and paint, and when she worked as a primary teacher her classes always had plenty of art! After retiring, Kate took up acrylics and then watercolours, which she loves for their unpredictability and transparency. Kate also made quilts and gradually collected a large stash of fabric, which she now uses with textile paints to make textile art. Kate has found that this is a great way to combine her hobbies of painting and sewing.

Ian Hutchinson Ian is a local amateur artist who enjoyed art at school, but only took up painting when he retired a number of years ago. He is also a member of both the Milngavie and the Bearsden Art Clubs. Ian works mainly with oils, and enjoys painting landscapes and street scenes.

Margie Kanaiah Margie is a self-taught artist who attended courses at Glasgow Art School, Strathclyde University and Kilmardinny House, amongst others. Now regularly selling her paintings via local art clubs, Margie enjoys painting pets, portraits and landscapes, as well as urban sketching. She works with acrylics, oils and watercolours, but her preference is pastels – which she loves for their colourful vibrancy, immediacy and creamy textures.

Betty Layden Betty was introduced to drawing at an early age by her mother and maintained an interest at secondary school. After retiring, Betty was introduced to an art class by a friend, where she initially painted using watercolours – flowers and landscapes – from photographs. She then moved on to acrylics and enjoys working with both.

Carol McCandlish Carol has been painting for over 20 years. Her preferred medium is watercolour and acrylic, while animals and birds are her favourite subjects to paint.

Val Pearson Val has a passion for the creative process and has enjoyed sewing, quilting, papercraft, drawing and painting throughout her life. She took up painting regularly around 10 years ago, focusing now on watercolours as she loves the clean, transparent results. Val has a diverse range of topics that she enjoys painting: landscapes – both rural and urban; animals; and seascapes.