Open Art Exhibition returns this weekend
Posted on 2 Jul 2024
Now celebrating its 27th year, the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition is back at Eglinton Country Park, showcasing the outstanding artistic talent we have, not only in North Ayrshire but beyond.
Opening this weekend, the exhibition is set to welcome hundreds of visitors and is prepared to go down a treat with creative children and young-people too as there’s a colouring table at the entrance for anyone wishing to make their own artistic creation.
Exhibition Coordinator Julia Griffin shares: “We are delighted to be returning to the wonderful Racquet Hall at Eglinton Country Park once again, it’s such a great venue to hold this popular exhibition.
“An incredible 124 talented artists have submitted their works to be exhibited this year and there are over 160 amazing paintings, drawings and sculptures on display.
“In a host 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.
“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, we are all so excited to open the doors to the public and see the reaction to some of our most magnificent collections of artworks yet.”
Located close to Tournament Café - just around the corner from Eglinton’s popular playparks - the exhibition is FREE, and everyone is welcome!
The exhibition starts on Saturday, July 6, and runs until Saturday July 20. It is open every day between 10am and 4pm, and the diverse artworks displayed offer something for everyone.
Julia adds: “The North Ayrshire Open Art committee would also like to give a shout out to the amazing local sponsors offering prizes this year; FSS Wealth & Pensions, Largs Gallery 8, Scotland’s Artists Print Services, Studio 44 Gallery, Freckfest and Buckreddan Care Home.”
All visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to get personally involved and vote for their favourite artwork, the winner of which will receive a prize donated by the North Ayrshire Open Art Committee.
A popular event on the Scottish art exhibition scene, the exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors and local artists over the summer holiday period.
Rhonda Leith, Head of Service for Connected Communities is also encouraging visitors to go along to the exhibition.
“This is another great example of how the Council’s Arts and Culture team are working with our communities to shine the spotlight on the superb artistic talent we have here in North Ayrshire.
“I would recommend that if you are looking for something a little different to experience over the holidays, drop in to see the exhibition for yourself. There really is something for everyone.”
The Racquet Hall is relaxed and family-friendly, the venue also welcomes dogs too if they are on a lead.