NOW celebrating its 30th year, the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition has returned to Eglinton Country Park, showcasing some outstanding artistic talent.
Opening last weekend, the exhibition is set to welcome hundreds of visitors and young visitors can get creative from the moment they arrive, with a colourful activity table at the entrance where they can enjoy colouring, drawing and creating their own masterpieces.
Exhibition coordinator Julia Griffin said: “An incredible 150 talented artists have submitted their works to be exhibited this year and there are over 170 amazing paintings, drawings and sculptures on display.
"With an eclectic mix of different tastes and styles, inspired by classic, contemporary, abstract and everything in between, the event celebrates the work of artists living and working in Ayrshire and beyond."
Located close to Tournament Café - just around the corner from Eglinton’s popular playparks - the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome. Dogs are also welcome, if on a lead.
Julia added: “Thank you to North Ayrshire Council’s Arts and Culture team for their ongoing advice and support and to the team at Eglinton Country Park for all their help in accommodating the exhibition..
“The North Ayrshire Open Art committee would also like to give a shoutout to the amazing local sponsors offering prizes this year: FSS Wealth & Pensions, Studio 44 Gallery, Ayrshire Flooring Group, Freckfest and Buckreddan Care Home.
The exhibition runs daily 10am until 4pm at The Racquet Hall, until 4pm on Saturday, July 18. Entry is free and artworks are available for purchase.
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the exhibition on Friday, July 3.
She said: “It was wonderful to be a part of the unveiling of this year's North Ayrshire Open Art exhibition on Friday evening.
“The exhibition features many different genres and so highlighting only one was very difficult. Many of the landscapes capture aspects of the Scottish countryside both locally and further afield, and I hope that it will encourage visitors to seek out some of these beauty spots.
“My choice for the 30th Anniversary Provost's Award was a painting by local artist Ron Smart -who happens to be chairman of North Ayrshire Open Art - that made me reminisce and filled my heart with joy at the recognition of a nearby coastal location and the memories I have there.
"But I have to say that the standard of artistry was so high, making it an extremely difficult choice."
All visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to vote for their favourite artwork, the winner of which will receive a prize donated by UPM Caledonian Paper.
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