A project initiated by Veer North, and launched internationally in 2008, is to come to the Shetland Museum and Archives. ‘Crossing Waater’ involves workshops, experimental art labs, and a series of exhibitions that aim to link people and artists across communities in Shetland, Scandinavia and mainland Scotland. Launched at the Farum Kulturhus in Denmark, it has travelled to the Inchmore Gallery, Inverness, before returning for its first display in Shetland.

Veer North is a professional association of visual artists based in Shetland. Set up in 2003, to promote contemporary art practices and their contribution to the community in Shetland, this is the first time the group has organised a major show in an international venue.

Da Gadderie is the Shetland venue for the touring exhibition, which contains work by 25 artists, including paintings, textiles, video, prints and sculpture. John Hunter, Shetland Museum and Archives exhibitions officer: “Veer North is an important visual arts organisation in Shetland. It strives to support and promote local art and make the work accessible to the community by organising events such as Crossing Waater. The diversity of work in this exhibition underlines the abundance of talent and highlights the optimism for the future development of visual arts in Shetland."

As part of the project, in addition to the exhibition, Veer North will also be holding workshops and art labs.

The Family Weaveathon - Thursday 23rd July 10.30 - 12.30 & 14.00 - 16.00
Lead by artist Jo Jack, these two family workshops will create a large scale woven art work, made entirely from recycled and found objects and inspired by the sea and the coastline of Shetland. Participants must be aged 3+ and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets £3, booking essential.

Colour Dynamics Painting - Friday 24th July 10.00 - 16.00
Led by Kristi Cumming, in this workshop participants will explore abstract interpretations of the Shetland landscape before creating their own dynamic abstract painting. For ages 14+, no previous painting experience required. Tickets £5, booking essential.

Art Labs in the Environment
This summer Veer North is working in partnership with four Shetland organisations to continue their experimentation and exploration of new ways of working. ‘Art Labs in the Environment’ will have its first Veer North artist residency in the Pier Store at Hay’s Dock in July, visitors welcome.

The Crossing Waater exhibition runs from 4th July - 3rd August. For further information on the exhibition, art labs and workshops please contact Shetland Museum and Archives on 01595 695057 or exhibitions@shetland-museum.org.uk.