August 2004 Feature: Visual Arts Sutherland

VISUAL ARTS SUTHERLAND was set up to help artists living in a remote part of the world to network and support each other. We hoped that this networking structure would allow us to develop collaborative projects both amongst our own members and with artists and groups from elsewhere.

So when discussion opened up between VAS and Ruth Brownlee, a member of the Shetland’s Veer North project, we quickly realised that coming together to create a group exhibition would be a great way to team up. We view it as a motivating opportunity to see what other artwork is being produced in the North as well as to meet and learn from our fellow Highland artists.

Inner Light 62x62cm shellac, ink and oil on canvas, Wendy Sutherland, VAS

The exhibition will tour, initially to a venue in both areas and possibly elsewhere in the Highland region. The two home venues are already confirmed, or have been approached with positive initial responses, which is an exciting start. They are Timespan in Helmsdale, Sutherland, and Lerwick’s new museum space, due for completion in 2006. Other venues will be discussed at subsequent VAS/Veer North meetings.

Wintry Day, Mixed media on board 26cm x 47cm, Ruth Brownlee, Veer North

To make the most of this collaborative project Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, who are very supportive of VAS, have suggested holding the exhibition in 2007, ‘The Year of Highland Culture’.

If funding can be found then we hope to be able to put together a catalogue that will accompany the show. Poetry and a review are already being discussed.

The response from both groups has been encouraging with over a dozen artists wishing to take part. There will be a selection panel to choose the artists involved. Twelve artists in total, six from each group, was felt to be a good number for a group show. In the interests of impartiality, it was decided that Shetland would have a panel to judge the Sutherland entries and vice versa.

Our next step is to put together a formal proposal for the exhibition after full discussions with members of VAS and Veer North.

Sheneval, woven tapestry in wool, Joan Baxter VAS

Veer North are currently showing work by members of the group at Shetland Museum. The exhibition runs until 6 August.

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Creating a new network

Artist WENDY SUTHERLAND outlines plans to develop a major collaborative project for 2007 with Visual Arts Sutherland and Veer North in Shetland

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