Moray artists spread the word about NEOS
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A total of 25 local artists are among the 270 who will soon be opening their studios to the public for NEOS – one of Scotland's largest creative events.
Folk will be able over the course of nine days in September to drop in at venues all the way from Forres to Stonehaven.
Alison Johnston, a Duffus-based painter who's taking part in NEOS, said: "Stepping into someone’s studio is a real eye opener.
"People will be able to learn about the artistic process, speak with the artists and, in some cases, even have a go at creating."
A dozen of the 25 local creators already exhibit together under the collective name of Moray Artists.
To raise awareness ahead of NEOS taking place Moray Artists have already staged two successful exhibitions – one at Elgin Library, the other at Logie Steading.
Now, they are encouraging the public to get hold of the NEOS Moray Coast Trail map.
A free full-colour NEOS 2023 book, which acts a directory of everyone involved, is also available.
Both can already be found in cafés, galleries and libraries throughout Moray, Aberdeenshire and beyond.
Alison, whose silversmith daughter Iona Hall is also taking part in NEOS, said: "There's an amazing amount of creativity in Moray.
"We want to ensure that people know that they can enjoy a huge range of different styles of art right here on their doorstep.
"Between the 12 of us in Moray Artists we have paintings, ceramics, wood sculpture and carving, basket weaving, jewellery and silversmithing.
"When you then look at the other 13 artists in our region, you can add textiles, mixed media and even kiltmaking to the studios that people can tour.
"We hope people get out and about, meet the artists and enjoy what there is on offer."
Iain Campbell of Ceramics at the Annexe located in Forres added: "Since NEOS was founded, it has done such a huge amount for art in the region. It really has, quite literally put people like myself and my colleagues on the map.
"What Moray Artists are doing is getting really involved and ensuring that people get to know what creatives in Moray have to offer.
"What’s fabulous about our region is that we are ideally, centrally located so that people from Aberdeenshire in the east, the Cairngorms to the south and of course Highland to the west, can make a short journey and enjoy a great day out where they will have their eyes opened to whole new world of art."
NEOS, otherwise known as North East Open Studios, is being held between Saturday, September 7 to Sunday, September 16.
