The work of over 130 local artists are being showcased by the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness in its annual Christmas exhibition which runs until 24 December 2011.

Considered one of the highlights of the Centre’s busy exhibition programme, the show includes a wide variety of unique work – everything from paintings and photography, to sculpture and textiles.

Open to all local artists, the Christmas exhibition – now in its 31st year – gives visitors to the gallery the opportunity to see the wealth of creative talent in the islands under the one roof.

All works on display are for sale, giving everyone who comes along the chance to buy an original piece of art by a local artist.

This year’s exhibition, which opened on Saturday 26 November, is sponsored by The Stromness Hotel

Owner Douglas Smith commented, “The Stromness Hotel once again is delighted to sponsor the Christmas Exhibition which showcases the talent of the local community – the standard seems to get better and better every year!”

One of the artists included in the show is Christine Harcus from St Ola, she said “There is a store house of talent throughout Orkney and no finer place to exhibit than the Pier Arts Centre. I welcome the chance once a year to exhibit my work with so many other inspiring artists”.

According to Pier Arts Centre curator, Andrew Parkinson, the Christmas Exhibition always attracted a very high volume of work by local artists and this year was no exception.

“The Christmas exhibition represents the work of a large number of artists from across Orkney, both professional and amateur. The standard of work is very impressive and I’m sure the show will provide an enjoyable and enriching experience for visitors to the gallery.”

Mr Parkinson added, “The exhibition of work by Sylvia Wishart this autumn was a great success and I’m delighted to say that the show is to go on tour around Scotland next year. Sylvia was an exceptional artist and has been an inspiration for artists and audiences in Orkney for many years. We hope the tour and forthcoming book will bring her work to a much broader public.”

The Pier Arts Centre will host a special Christmas Family Day, with the focus on festive art and crafts activities, on the afternoon of Saturday 10 December 2011. Free of charge, the activities are aimed at all the family and everyone is welcome to come along. No booking is necessary – just drop in anytime between 2pm and 3:30pm but all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Christmas Exhibition runs from 26 November until 24 December 2011.

The Pier Arts Centre
Victoria Street
Stromness
Orkney
Tel: 01856 850209
Web: http://www.pierartscentre.com/