Record number of Moray artists taking part in NEOS

Folk will have the chance to look around the studios of 25 local artists and creators when NEOS begins this Saturday.

North East Open Studios, to give it its full title, is one of Scotland's biggest and most successful events of its kind.

And this year sees a record number of Moray artists taking part.

From Saturday to a week on Sunday, the public will be able to call in, have a browse and chat to the artists about their work.

There's a wide range of arts and crafts to look at locally, including willow coffin making, kilt making, silversmithing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and wood carving.

In addition, this year see the introduction of a special Moray Coastal Trail to guide visitors around the various studios here.

Karen Collins, who owns the heritage crafts company Naturally Useful at Marcassie Farm in Rafford near Forres is putting on a variety of workshops over the nine days that NEOS is taking place.

She said: "We have lots of workshops planned so people can have a go themselves.

"These include creating amazing prints on silk scarves using natural dyes, basket making and crafting a willow dragonfly.

"One of our key events is an open day, in collaboration with the charity Pushing up the Daisies, where people can see a willow coffin and woollen shroud being made."

Forres-based Andrea Chappell of Acme Atelier also champions heritage crafts, creating kilts in both historic and contemporary styles that become wearable works of art.

Meanwhile painter Maggie New, who's also in Forres, creates luminous, contemporary semi-abstract landscapes and still life paintings, working mainly in oil.

In Findhorn and Forres, Vera Bohlen, of Claysongs Ceramics, and Iain Campbell of Ceramics at the Annexe, both use techniques such as raku and smoke-firing, to create their own unique works.

Vera said: "With the studios spread from Dallas, Rafford, Califer, Forres, Kinloss, Findhorn to Duffus and beyond, you’ll be travelling some beautiful parts of the Moray. You really can make this a great day out."

In her hillside studio at Wester Lawrenceton, near Forres, painter Jude Edgar will reveal the secrets of how she creates textures and sparkle in her acrylic seascapes.

In Dallas, there is a hidden gem of a studio at Hillockhead Farm, where you can discover how Duke Christie creates his spectacular wood sculptures and furniture using sustainably sourced hardwoods.

Across the whole of the north east total of 270 creators and artists are taking part in NEOS.

The impulse to form the Moray Coast Trail came from a group of 12 creators who exhibit together as Moray Artists.

They are Dina Leigh, Udo Reiss, Vera Bohlen, Stuart McAllister, Iain Campbell, Karen Collins, Jude Edgar, Iona Hall, Alison Johnston, Iona Leishman, Duke Christie and Maggie New.

Full details of everyone taking part can be found at northeastopenstudios.co.uk and on the newly launched NEOS app.