A mini heatwave over the Easter weekend may have kept numbers down but the annual art exhibition at St Andrew Blackadder Church, North Berwick brought sales of over 90 paintings in two and a half days, securing the event as one of the big dates in the diaries of both local amateur and professional artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Event organiser, Stephen Govenlock explained the choice of this year’s featured painting (“Gone For A Cone” by Andrina Wright).
“We have selected a local artist as a showcase to promote the event.”
Previous years have seen big names such as Jolomo used to promote the exhibition however perhaps being mindful of the economic situation of the Brexit era, local artists have replaced the more illustrious names of the Scottish art world. As Stephen Govenlock relayed the pattern of sales this year, predominantly being the more lower priced paintings; “People are a little more conscious that painting is a luxury.”
Nestled in a cosy beach hut, with an idyllic backdrop of the Bass Rock and North Berwick harbour, Andrina Wright is pursuing her life long love of painting. Her work covers a variety of subjects; from local seascapes to animal portraits. Cute and trendy as an arty base, these huts are an innovative addition to the North Berwick art scene and economy. The brainchild of the North Berwick Harbour Association; the initiative started in the summer of 2017 and are proving a popular attraction with visitors as well as a base or display space for local small businesses, clubs and organisations.
Andrina was delighted, if not a little surprised, to find her painting the show’s promotional piece.
“I was really chuffed that mine was picked!” she chuckled.
For Andrina, her work space on the site of the old outdoor pool is not just a seasonal studio but an informal, inviting gallery where she can sell her work. Chatting to neighbouring crafts people and artists, Andrina jokingly muses, “We are happy to sit here and paint away but it is always a bonus if people buy something.”
Meanwhile for retired local headteacher, Alastair Macneill, art is a long loved hobby which he has pursued for almost 40 years. Inspired by his childhood island home of Tiree, he enjoys painting and exhibiting at local art shows. A regular at North Berwick’s weekly art group, he enjoys the companionship, advice and sharing of ideas that the group encourages. Alastair laughs retelling advice given long ago,
“You’ll never make a living selling paintings someone once told me but hey… I’m still enjoying painting.”
Be sure to make a date in your diary for next year’s North Berwick Art Exhibition at St Andrew Blackadder Church, Easter weekend.
The work of Amanda Owenson can by purchased at Amanda’s studio
in Prestonpans as well as in Why Not? North Berwick and Galashiels and at Independent Zebra, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
Check out Andrina Wright's Facebook page for more stunning art work at www.facebook.com/Andrina-Wright-Artist