Get creative and be a part of the Great Big Exhibition
Crieff’s Ruth Pringle is rallying Strath residents to get behind a nationwide initiative that will brighten up the area’s towns and villages.
Museums and leading artists are inviting the whole of the UK to take part in what they hope will be the biggest art exhibition ever staged.
Ruth told the Herald:“The Great Big Exhibition is happening all across the UK - it’s a response to all the galleries being closed.
“The idea is to turn our towns into exhibitions and to encourage everyone to have some fun making art and showing off the results.
“The more folks taking part, the better.
“Windows and gardens will be once again full of things to spot and enjoy.”
And to keep the creative juices flowing, the exhibition’s theme will change regularly.
Ruth continued:“The current theme‘Animals’only runs until February 11, then we have two weeks to get some‘Portraits’ happening.
“It’s a rapid turnaround but that’s going to keep it exciting.
“I think the overall message is to not overthink it and just find some joy in making stuff.”
Ruth explained why she wanted to get involved. She added:“I’m a bit sick of being told what we should be doing/ learning/feeling during lockdown as everyone’s experience is so different, but I don’t think that this is one more
didactic thing.
“It’s a chance to give a wave to the outside world to say we’re still here and hopefully make someone else smile. I like the take it or leave it, do it however you like vibe around this event. It’s a breath of fresh air.
“Some amazing, top British artists are involved. It was conceived by a Colchester gallery but is supported by the Tate.
“It’s why I’m interested. Some of the artists involved are my heroes.
“Antony Gormley is well known for Angel of the North - and also those beautiful semi-submerged figures leading down the Water of Leith in Edinburgh.
“And I can’t wait for David Shrigley’s instruction: Put a Thing in an Odd Place.
“I think that there are people in this town that could have a
field day with this theme.
“It’s an opportunity to keep our neighbours amused, kids entertained and creating, and to brighten up our lockdown.”
Crieff artist June McEwan of Crieff Arts Festival, thinks the community exhibition is a great idea and is encouraging everyone to get involved.
She said:“Crieff Arts Festival is loving that the idea has already been taken up by some of our local groups, and we’re especially pleased that local businesses have volunteered space in their windows to showcase some mad, sorry fab, art!”
Join the Facebook group Great Big Art Exhibition - Strathearn for more details.
You can also download a free activity pack from the official website of the The Great Big Art Exhibition at https://firstsite. uk/
The Strath’s brass band - Brass Central - is inviting those who would like to thank someone who has helped them during the pandemic to show their appreciation in a new video the band is making.
Band manager Jim Wishart explained: “Brass Central Strathearn has recorded a piece called‘Local Heroes’, dedicated to those wonderful people in our community who have worked so hard during the pandemic.
“We want to give you the chance to have your‘thank you’shown in our video that will be released on March 26.
“Your thank you can be to anyone - front line workers, volunteers or anyone else you think deserves a special shout out.
“We are looking for photos or videos, without sound, containing your message, and the more creative the better!”
Anyone who would like their‘thank you’ included in the video should send submissions to tystrathearn@gmail.com by March 1.