TEN local artists are displaying their work at an exhibition near the town centre this month.

Orchard Road Studios is opening its doors to the public over the weekend of September 17-19 to showcase their art and some will be there to discuss it too.

Studios spokeswoman, Suzanne Birch, confirmed the featured artists will be Brian Young, Catrina Millar, Rosie Balyuzi, Jonathan Luxon, Wendy Grosvenor, Naomi Ojima, Jamie Banks, Kenneth le Riche, Kate MacKay and herself.

She said: "Some might remember the large building at Orchard Road as a store selling wood burning stoves, but today it is an eclectic, contemporary art space.

"The artists have made this into their workspace, dividing the main large building into creative, messy cubicles where they can work till their heart's content.

"Some of the members are full-time professionals, selling and exhibiting regularly or working on a full schedule of commissions. Others are art teachers or have another job next to their art practice.

"Their styles vary widely - from loud, abstract and colourful works, to smaller realistic paintings. What they all have in common is their love for creativity and their dedication to their artistic practice."

All of Orchard Road Studios artists are local - mostly from Forres and Findhorn but one is from Grantown-on-Spey. Some of us full-time at the studio, which usually functions solely as a productive and quiet work-space.

"Once a year, the building is opened to the public," said Suzanne. "There is a group exhibition in the main gallery space, but each artist has put mini-exhibitions on show in their own workspace.

"Some will still be at work during the open weekend so visitors can enjoy peeking over their shoulders and seeing artworks develop. Each of the members will be there, most of us will drop in and out but I'll likely be there for the three days!"

Work for sale will include originals, prints, cards, jewellery and crockery.

Everyone is welcome from 10am-5pm over September 17, 18 and 19.

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