Island art exhibition has raised more than £2,000 for charity

The exhibition ran from the October 1-10 at Tall ana Mara Gallery and has been deemed a huge success, raising more than £2000 for charity.

Gill Thompson of the Harbour Print Studio had the idea for the exhibition, having contributed her own artwork to a similar charity project.

Gill told the Gazette: “Talla na Mara Gallery kindly offered exhibition space and administration facilities and we planned to hold the exhibition in June of this year. The aim was to raise money for Bethesda Hospice and the Talla na Mara Beach Access Fund in the hope of buying a beach accessible wheelchair.

“We asked artists to donate a postcard-sized piece of their original artwork which we would exhibit and sell at an affordable price. I had no idea how many donations we would get or whether something like this would work, but amazingly, throughout the lockdown period, the postman delivered more and more packages of artwork – watercolours, acrylics, mixed media, print, drawings, textile work, photographs – even a carved piece of stone - 82 items in total. They were all mounted in readiness - apart from the stone!

“Then Covid got in the way and the gallery was unfortunately unable to be open in June due to the national lockdown restrictions in force.

“The exhibition was rescheduled for ten days in October. Not as long as had been previously planned, but Talla na Mara kindly fitted it into their exhibition programme so that we could go ahead with the project.

“The gallery looked great with all the small pieces of artwork displayed on both walls and a strict one-way system for viewing. Hand sanitiser was made available and masks had to be worn to stay in line with the guidance and requirements set out by the Scottish Government. This did not deter the public and several pieces were sold as we were hanging the exhibition!

“There are a few fabulous pictures still available, even though the exhibition has come to an end. They are available to view online. Details of where you can access the online gallery and how you can buy a unique piece of art from the Island Art for Giving Exhibition is on the Talla na Mara Website – www.tallanamara.co.uk.”

Work can be sent out to you or collected from Gill’s Harbour Print studio in Vatisker.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get a very special piece of artwork, all ready for framing and, at the same time, you’ll be both supporting and contributing to two very worthy charities.

Gill also paid special thanks to the West Harris Trust who provided the gallery and associated facilities free of charge.