ART-LOVERS have a feast for the eyes in store at the third Innerleithen Open Studios this weekend, incorporating Walkerburn for the first time.
And navigation round the event, on September 28 and 29, will be simple using two special souvenir maps.
These are unique works of art in themselves, designed by Zoe Atherfold, with their production and printing costs in part funded by a £2,000 grant from Destination Tweed.
The maps, produced at Robert Smail’s Printing Works, are available at the event’s two headquarters in 55A High Street, Innerleithen and Walkerburn Rugby Club, and also at the Allotment Shop, Lou Lous Vintage Emporium, Findra, Durty Brewing, Caberston Cafe and other businesses round the town.
The event is entirely volunteer led and coordinator Rachel Hunter said: “We have 26 participants which is a good number for a wee town.
“All activities are free although booking is advised and there is online listing on Facebook and Instagram @innerleithenopenstudios”
Workshops include: riverside screen printing; portrait drawing; block printmaking and 3D printing; and laser and computerised wood routing demonstrations.
Artists include professionals and those who, while still highly skilled, treat their talent as a pastime but are happy to share it with others.
In no particular order the participating studios are: Hazel McLean in mixed media; narrative painting with Claire Blyth; seascapes and nature from Lesley Foster; the Scottish Borders historical environment with Rachel Hunter; photography from Graham Riddell; Sarah Higgs therapeutic art; Sasha Lamb pencil portraits; Hannah Cornish (Davies) abstracts; Ann Louise Kieran a visual artist in many mediums; Joyce Lewis mixed media; Alex Duncan textiles; Bruce Joyce recycled wood; Lisa Ferguson oil on canvas; visual communicator Zoe Atherfold; pen and ink Hilary Forbes; equestrian acrylics Louise Cumming; Tweeddale Youth Action; Emma Perry landscapes of mind and nature; stone and bronze sculpture with Angela Hunter; digital art Fionnlagh McIver; author and illustrator Fiona Boyd; and Margaret Quinn at the Framing Gallery.
It is not all visual art and local guide, the Tweed Valley Blogger, Stewart Wilson will lead storytelling walks along the River Tweed; Emily Moir will take an art walk with drawing “en pleine air” on the river banks; and Jules Bradbury will lead a creative stroll, “Watermarks”.
Ms Hunter added: “We are also very keen to emphasise the availability of the Cleikum Belle bicycle trishaw, taking people up and down the multi-use path, from Innerleithen to Walkerburn, alongside the River Tweed.
“The trishaw can be booked direct by mobile phone from the Memorial Hall or through 55A High Street or the rugby club, where a volunteer will call it up.
“The Cleikum Belle is available through Cycling without Age Scotland.”
Ms Hunter said: “There is also a group exhibition in Findra, with 20 people, which continues to October 26 as they have given us space.”
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