The Curtis Cup Art Exhibition, a special exhibition presented by the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, opened on Wednesday 6 June 2012 at Nairn Court House.

Players from the Curtis Cup tournament took time out from their practise rounds to help launch the exhibition, which was arranged to celebrate the prestigious golfing competition being held in Nairn this year.

The show displays the vibrant work of the Curtis Cup’s Event artist Lucy Tormey, alongside paintings and prints by some of the Highlands’ best known professional artists, such as Evelyn Pottie, Clare Blois, Eugenia Vronskaya and John Nicholson. All the work is for sale – prices range from £150 to £2,500.

The show is the brainchild of local arts enthusiasts Aileen Asher and Robyn Ruane, and Angela McOwan, organiser of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival.

Aileen Asher states: “The Curtis Cup Art Exhibition is a marvellous display of art by well known artists from across the Highland region, together with paintings and prints by official Curtis Cup artist, Lucy Tormey. We’re sure it will be enjoyed by visitors and residents of all ages. It’s a great way to celebrate the fact that the Curtis Cup is being held here in Nairn, and an exciting foretaste of the Book and Arts Festival, which has a terrific programme this year.”

Lucy Tormey, much of whose work is inspired by the game of golf and is a keen golfer herself, commented: “I’m thrilled to be associated with a tournament as prestigious as the Curtis Cup and excited about exhibiting my work in the gorgeous town of Nairn. It’s wonderful to be able to unite my passion for art and for golf in this way. “

The Curtis Cup (8 – 10 June 2012) is the biennial golf competition between teams of amateur lady golfers representing the United States of America and Great Britain & Ireland. This prestigious event, organised by the Ladies Golf Union, is bringing golfing enthusiasts from all over the world to the Scottish Highlands. It is being held at Nairn Golf Club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

The exhibition at Nairn Court House continues until Monday 11 June.

 Opening times are as follows:

 1pm – 5pm, Wednesday 6 June

1pm – 8pm, Thursday 7 June

1pm – 5pm, Saturday 9 June and Sunday 10 June

10am – 2pm, Monday 11 June

 Entry to the exhibition is free. Limited edition prints by Lucy Tormey and are also on display at Nairn Golf Club.

The 2012 Nairn Book and Arts Festival will run from 4 – 9 September 2012, and will feature the unique and eclectic mix of literary events, comedy, drama, music and art for which it has become so well known since its inception in 2003. The Festival’s programme will be announced later this month. For more information about the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, visit www.nairnfestival.co.uk