Saturday, 31 August 2013
NEOS 2013 ARTISTS AT THE WALDORF Workshop / Demo Programme
14th - 22nd September 10-5pm
Venue : Aberdeen Waldorf School, Craigton Road, Cults, Aberdeen. AB15 9QD
'Opening Doors to Creativity' is the ethos of NEOS, in 2013 it is our reality!
Click on link below to see our extensive Workshop / Demonstration programme. Don't forget to book as places will be limited.
Artists at The Waldorf Workshop/Demo Programme
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
NEOS Dates for 2013 Announced!
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
Are you an artist working in the North East of Scotland looking to take the next step?
Do you want to engage with your public, get feedback and demonstrate your skills?
Do you want an entry in a high quality, professional year-round directory, distributed to thousands of outlets and available for free, all year?
Do you wish to meet and network with other artists and be inspired by new work?
Then you should join North East Open Studios!
Our sign up starts on the 1st March and runs until the 31st March. Be sure to kept informed of our news by signing up to our newsletter
As the number of artists, galleries and art centres opening their doors during the traditional nine days of NEOS has grown we have decided to split the region of the North East into three distinct geographical areas taking place over a three week period. The 'North' section will open 7th - 15th September; 'Central' from 14th - 22nd, and Aberdeen City and South 21st - 29th. Venues will also have the option to be open throughout the whole 3 week period. The NEOS catalogue will include a map showing the different areas and will contain three sections for the different weeks with each artist being listed in their geographical area.
The 2013 NEOS Event will run from Saturday 7th September till Sunday 29th September.
- - The 3 week event will be split into geographical areas – North, Central and South. Aberdeen City would be included in the South section.
- - There will be overlapping weekends between weeks to maximise visitor numbers.
- - The split will be as follows:
• North: Sat 7 – Sun 15 Sept
• Central: Sat 14 – Sun 22 Sept
• South & City: Sat 21 – Sun 29 Sept
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
North East Open Studios 2012 set to become the biggest one to date
Starting out as a small open studios event with a couple of dozen artists back in 2003, NEOS has since grown into the biggest open studios event in the whole of Scotland, currently competing for the largest in Britain.
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| Image: David Pettigrew |
organisations are struggling for funding, NEOS is continuing to grow, move forward and be as successful as ever, which is a fantastic advert for the arts and artists of the North East.”
painters, photographers, jewelers and ceramicists, there are also a number of groups displaying work in joint venues this year, such as wood turners and mental health art groups. Hands-on demonstrations, live music and sculpture trails are often organised by the artists themselves to add to the 'NEOS experience'.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Dundee's Brightest
Dundee’s Brightest 20/05/2012
It's been a few years since I've made it to the opening night of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, so I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to go this year. Accompanied by my trusty accomplice from my own student days at art school in Dundee we set off up the Perth Road to the art school, a well trodden path. A few steps in the door and we were met with a large yellow neon sign which read 'ART NOW' and the smell of popcorn.
Armed with my newly purchased brochure for the 2012 show whereby students are referred to as Dundee’s Brightest. Each page features a student, their statement and an image of their work. I'm thinking that things have gotten pretty slick since my day and I’m impressed. First stop is jewellery of course. There are 18 students this year so there was a lot to see. 'Wow' is my first impression as I wander around. We are stopping a lot and saying 'ooh' and 'aw, look at that', it all looks so professional!
I am struck by how polished (not literally) it all looks and how ready they all look to take on the world with their neat business cards and look books. It's pretty packed, so I'm guessing I'm not alone in thinking how good it all looks. Each individuals work is supported by an artist’s statement and a mac rotating images. There's a real broad mix of themes here. From Palestinian refugees, skin conditions, literature and the tooth fairy. So I’m only going to mention a few. Jennifer Ho's beautiful intricate jewellery is presented against a backdrop of equally beautiful drawings which narrate the story of her work based on family, culture and memories.
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| Jennifer Ho |
A quick chat with Natali Mazur and she explains that her series of cleverly designed bracelets are made from prescription drugs and silver, which she says is a response to todays view of the preciousness of materials and the misuse of prescription medication in today’s society.
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| Natali Mazur |
From here I managed a quick look at textiles which was also very impressive. A great feature throughout some of the departments was separate portfolio rooms. This helped create a clean gallery style without the clutter of the portfolios.
My only disappointment was that I managed to miss the singing Elvis reported to be belting out some tunes on a golden toilet. I could have stayed longer, however the steward/security teams were super efficient at getting everyone out by 9pm on the dot. They made up for it by seeing everyone off the premises with a Taiko drumming session by The Dojo Performance Team. Well worth a visit.
On from 19th - 27th May 2012 at DJCAD, University of Dundee, 13 Perth Road, Dundee, DD1 4HT.
Aubin Stewart is our first guest blogger and Exhibitions Coordinator for NEOS 2012
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
A Jaunt to North Fife...
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
A Jaunt to Fife.....
Well, a weekend in Falkirk presented an opportunity for a flying visit to Open Studios North Fife. This is OSNF's seventh year with an ever growing audience and artist membership. 84 artists opened their doors to living rooms and studios to show their work, working practices and offer a staggering amount of tea and cakes over the May weekend.
I only just realised that my friends Gavin Burnett and Nicola Cairns were having the grand opening of MAKE Studios at Gateside Mills in Fife, where they have worked incredibly hard to bring together a hot and cold glass workshop, ceramics workshop and gallery space as well as space for other artists to work, the result is spectacular and would be one of the highlights of the OSNF's weekend.
First surprise was seeing Richard Gregory who is one half of Rebott with Nicola Cairns. Richard introduced us to the Rebox project where they are converting an old horsebox into a mobile gallery and hotshop for working glass. Everything in the bos is from recycled materials - even down to the screws which were painstakingly salvaged by Richard himself!
Inside the studio, there were glass demos, tours and their resident graffiti artist was just finishing the Make mural.
After spending far too much money we decided to take a wee look at the entrants in Auchtermuchty, which we were happy to find out was the birthplace of Sir Jimmy Shand, this gave me the opportunity to tell my Grandads favourite joke....
First stop was Audrey Reid, a recent jewellery graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone. We walked into her beautiful cottage in the centre of Auchtermuchty to find absolutely lovely jewellery, in fact it was so good we visited twice.
Next was Bun Brough a textile artst who works primarily as an art therapist. The studio was above a car mechanic but the space was transformed by a partially built Yurt and many pieces made by her clients and during workshops she delivers.
Steve and Marie Louise Wrightson opened their sunny back yard with summerhouses ful of whimsical and colourful work. Both had a huge amount of detail in their work.
As we were leaving Auchtermuchty we came across a wee sign for a blacksmiths forge and stumbled over a chap who built his own forge and makes ironmongery in his spare time - it was great to see and have a poke about the tools!
Just outside Auchtermuchty we stopped at Moyra Stewart's ceramic workshop who was also showing with John Smith, woodturner. Moyra has been incredibly influenced by a process called 'naked Raku' (dont worry, you get to keep your clothes on) after attending a course run by renowned ceramicist Dave Roberts. Moyra was kind enough to don her protective equipment shortly before the raku kiln reached temperature!
Beautiful Falkland was our next stop where we visited two more ceramicists - Joan Potts and the tremendous renaissance-y work of Karen Ross.
Neither Karen or Joan have websites and do not work full time in ceramics but they both took the leap into the unknown of Open Studios and opened their homes to complete strangers. This is the joy of open studios, not knowing and seeing people genuinely interested in your work and workshops.
After a walk around Falkland, it was time to go back and hardly a dent made in the 84 entries (with a strong emphasis on visiting ceramics too!)
However, some artists are open next weekend and I cannot recommend the area enough. Its rather a novelty to be able to VISIT Open Studios for a change!
CALL OUT!!!!
If you have an idea for a guest blog post, just get in contact with us at northeastopenstudios@gmail.com
If there is something exciting coming up or if you are about to go away to an event, and want to let us all know about it, just drop us an email and remember to take photos. We can deal with the rest...
Its our network so time to make it work for us!
M
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Want to take part in NEOS ["match-making" artists / venues]
Call for Artists/ Venues
NEOS 2012: 15th - 23rd September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
Monday, 12 March 2012
NEOS 2012 Sign Up is....OPEN!
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
Friday, 9 March 2012
Call for Artists:
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
Monday, 30 January 2012
NEOS AGM
As ever there will be a chance to network with other creative individuals and to vote for new members of the committee.
Refreshments will also be served.
RSVP: northeastopenstudios@googlemail.com
or on the NEOS FaceBook AGM Event (soon to be posted), but please do NOT telephone the committee.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/302559721861
We look forward to seeing you at this year's AGM.
SOS ~ Save Open Studios
North East Open Studios will be losing 8 of the 12 committee members at this year's AGM.
This is major news and will certainly have a detrimental effect on the future of NEOS if the membership cannot help.
No committee means no NEOS 2012!
URGENT CALL FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
If you are interested in joining the committee, or know of someone who is, we will shortly be sending out role descriptions for each position listed below for you to consider, as well as nomination forms to be returned.
Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone you think may be interested.
We ask you to consider your commitment to the committee and the membership carefully if you do wish to fill one of the positions available. NEOS has been very lucky to have a supportive, proactive and attentive volunteer team
and needs this to continue, it does not need sleeping members!
Roles to fill: Chairperson, Treasurer, Coordinator, Graphic Design & Web, Secretary, Minutes Secretary, and Press & Social Media.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
News update from the AB+ Cultural Conference
We’re pleased to report that our main speakers have confirmed their attendance. Charles Landry, an authority on urban futures and the use of creative approaches to enable cities achieve farsighted aims, will be joined by Valerie Watts, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council and Professor Paul Harris, Head of Gray’s School of Art.
Valerie will be describing her experiences in Northern Ireland with Londonderry’s bid to become European Capital of Culture and the impact this had on the arts there, whilst Paul will talk about bringing the V&A to Dundee.
Some people have been asking us what time the conference starts and finishes. The answer is 9.15 for coffee and registration for a 10.00 a.m. start and close of business at 5.00 p.m. although there will then be an hour’s social and a glass of wine for those that want to network. We’ll bring you further news about the conference nearer the time, but in the meantime, could you please complete a short survey, regardless of whether you intend to come to the conference or otherwise?
The survey can be found at http://positiveaberdeen.wordpress.com/questionnaire . You should choose whether to answer as an individualor on behalf of an organisation (NOT both please!). The survey results will help us plan exactly how the conference runs so if you could please please please complete the survey by the end of the year, that would be very helpful. Thanks in anticipation of your co-operation!
Finally, if you haven’t signed up for the conference, the e-mail address again is aberdeen.positive@gmail.com.
Best regards,
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Aberdeen Positive (AB+)
AB+
… an invitation to the forthcoming Aberdeen Positive (AB+) Conference which will take place on the 26th of January 2012 at Aberdeen Arts Centre.
This conference is the idea of a group of arts organisations and practitioners working in Aberdeen and the wider region with the overarching aim of making a ‘step-change’ in the cultural life of the city. We want this conference to celebrate what we currently do well and to challenge us to improve, to think big and ultimately help identify the steps we need to take to reach our ambitions.
Further info
Further details about the conference and booking details are contained in the invite letter (download from here) – please feel free to pass this letter of invitation on to colleagues and contacts who are interested developing the cultural life of this area.
If you have any problems opening the invite please contact aberdeen.positive@gmail.com
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
NEOS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR @ BV
I would like to invite you to take part in the fair. Tables are booked on a first come basis and space is limited so early booking is essential .
I do hope you will consider taking part as this helps keep NEOS and the individuals participating in the public eye throughout the year.
www.bridge-view.co.uk
Frances Crawford Art
Art Leasing Consultancy
Allathumpach
Glen Deskry
Strathdon
AB36 8XL
tel: 01975651719
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Ythanvale Art Trail
As Part of your North East Open studios 2011 tour, experience the Ythan Vale Art Trail and enjoy a diverse range of art from over 20 North East artists; whilst exploring the delightful scenery of the river valley and coastal villages or this beautiful corner of Aberdeenshire.NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
SSW NEOS times
SSW opens the doors for NEOS
The Lost Hand
September 10 to 18, 2011
As part of NEOS (North East Open Studios), Scottish Sculpture Workshop are running a series of events around the theme of arts and heritage craft skills. Over the eight days members of the public are welcome to come and view our unique facilities, take part in discussions, tours, and workshops; enjoy a cup of tea in our drop in cafe, as well as view our invited participants at work around the SSW site.
Invited artists, tradesmen and craftsmen from throughout Aberdeenshire, with skills that are considered exceptional, will be showcasing their craft on site at SSW. With a focus on skills that are inherently local, SSW is looking to open up a discussion about the relevance of these skills to the identity of Aberdeenshire and wider Scottish culture, while also looking into the future of craftsmanship.
From kilt making to stone work, from wheel writing to sign writing, what is the future for these skills and processes? How can they be preserved? How are they utilised and can they be utilised in the creation of art works? SSW are looking to find the common ground shared by all these craftsmen, and artists, through networking, discussion and a shared workspace of tools and processes.
Programme of Events
September 10 to 18, 2011
Saturday 10th
Art Cafe – 5 to 7pm
"The Lost Hand: Questions around skill."
In the informal environment of a pop-up cafe, a discussion around the status quo of skill will bring together artists, crafts and trades people, as well as the general public.
FREE
Sunday 11th
Demonstrations and tours – 12 to 6pm
“The Lost Hand: Skills in residency”
A kiltmaker, a stone carver, a wheelwright, a traditional painter and decorator, a ceramicist, an upholsterer and many more will be working at SSW, giving an insight into current practices and skills in the region.
FREE
Monday 12th
Workshop – 1 to 4pm
''Printing Matters''
Lumsden primary school 4 to 7's will be exploring printing the old fashioned way.
Tuesday 13th
Art Cafe – 2 to 5pm
"Skilling Up: Creativity in new contexts"
In the informal environment of a pop-up cafe, a discussion around the status quo of skill will bring together artists, crafts and trades people, as well as the general public.
FREE
Wednesday 14th
Art Cafe – 2 to 5pm
"Space to speak"
In the informal environment of a pop-up cafe, a discussion around the status quo of skill will bring together artists, crafts and trades people, as well as the general public.
FREE
Thursday 15th
Closed to the public
Friday 16th
Reading Group SSW / Gradcam – 3.30 to 6.30pm
"The Skills as a kind of Commons" (Closed event)
Cheesecake Making Workshop – 6.30 to 7.30pm
(Please book with the SSW Office on 01464 861372, as there are limited places).
FREE
Saturday 17th
Forum/Discussion – 2 to 5pm
"A culture for the survival of skills, skills for the survival of a culture."
Chaired by David Watson Hood
Dr. Jo Vergunst (Anthropology Department - University of Aberdeen)
Andrea Peach (Grays School of Art)
An open discussion about the status quo of heritage craft skill, in social and economic terms (focusing on the Grampian region). Also looking at how these skills relate to and are used in contemporary art practice.
FREE (limited places)
Sunday 18th
Demonstrations and tours – 12 to 6pm
"The Lost Hand: Skills in residency"
A kiltmaker, a stone carver, a wheelwright, a traditional painter and decorator, a ceramicist, an upholsterer and many more will be working at SSW, giving an insight into current practices and skills in the region.
FREE
Communities Potluck Dinner – 5 to 7pm
Join us for a celebratory potluck. Participants must bring a dish, please contact Merlyn Riggs at merlynriggs@yahoo.co.uk to book a place as there are limited places.
Participants:
Skills in Residence: Ally Sim, Graham Sim, Pam Blackhall, Wayne Gosset, Keith Mellard, Eden Jolly, Nancy Fuller, Sally McLardy, Jennifer Jane, Ally Devine, Gavin Smith, Ian McDonald.
Art Cafe: Merlyn Riggs
Printing Matters Workshop: Ross Hamilton Frew
Forum/Discussion chair: David Watson Hood
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
NEOS DeeTour Day!
An award winning, not for profit collective of artists, makers and galleries in the North East of Scotland invite the public into their workshops to let them see how their work is created.
Art lovers have the chance to meet hundreds of painters, sculptors, metalworkers and print-makers during the event which runs from the 10th to the 18th Sept.
This year also sees the first organised NEOS tour, so that visitors can experience a day of NEOS on Royal Deeside. The event for 16 people has been specially compiled by DeeTour a newly formed company by Moira Gash and Sarah Harker.
Billed as a great opportunity to relax & enjoy the delights of a hand-picked selection of crafts and artists, the day tickets are priced at £35 and will include refreshments and a light lunch.
DeeTour is a new tour and excursion business based on Royal Deeside, and intends to offer a selection of packages to suit visitors and locals alike.
NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk
Hilary Duncan's NEOS Pottery Workshops
There will be further workshops after NEOS for those wanting to decorate and glaze their pieces, or Hilary will do this for you for a small fee. Places are limited, so please phone early to book.
NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information
Opening Invitation to NEOS @ Oriel Art
6 to 9pm Wednesday 7th September (food & drink refreshments)
Also: partake in the Art Workshop on Friday 9th September in aid of UNICEF
THERE ARE STILL 3 PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL, PLEASE PHONE:
Patricia Reith
Oriel Art, Barnyards,
Easterskene,
Westhill,
Aberdeenshire
AB32 6YB
Michael Kitchen venue
Michael has moved from Wood of Shaws and his paintings will be on display at Grayling’, 4 Links View, Inverboyndie, Banff.
Dates : From Saturday 10th – Sunday 18th September (except 14th - CLOSED). Timings : Daily 10am – 5pm except Sundays 2 – 6pm.
For enquiries and directions call : 01261 818855
Monday, 5 September 2011
NEOS Yellow Signs ...
If you could try to club together & arrange somebody in your area to volunteer to collect enough signs for your area, that would be amazing!
Please contact info@northeastopenstudios.co.uk to arrange pick up, or if you need any further help we will try to advise as best as we can.
NEOS covers a huge area, so please don’t be greedy and think of others too. Previous participants should have their signs from last year, if for some reason you need new, we have allowed for up to 2 signs per venue.
- Aberdeenshire: New entries 3 signs
- Aberdeen City: ONLY 2 signs per VENUE.. Not entries
NEOS has worked very hard to build a good relationship with the Council’s Road Department to allow you to draw attention to your location by the use of our NEOS signage (the NEOS yellow signs). In order to ensure compliance with Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Council's rules on temporary signage for events please read below.
We have to point out that NEOS is not responsible for its members conduct and it is the individuals’ responsibility to adhere to the rules, as any action taken by the authorities for non compliance will be to individual venues and not NEOS.
A) Any signage on private property (in gardens, on houses, in cars) is permitted.
B) Signs on traffic signs, railings, and pedestrian crossings are NOT permitted. In fact, signs placed on any Road/Traffic Information furniture are considered a grave hazard and are illegal.
C) The Roads Department will advise their city and community inspectors not to remove NEOS signage if it is compliant with these instructions.
ABERDEEN CITY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEOS SIGNS
Each location venue will be allowed to display one NEOS (A3 & no bigger) sign on each of a maximum of two street lamps - one outside their venue and one at their closest road junction (providing it is not a major junction).
1) The signs should be attached to the lamp post as high as possible. Preferably 2.4m above ground level.
2) Directional arrows drawn on the signs should be made as large as possible and the venue number MUST be recorded in the top right hand corner.
3) The signs can be put up 1-2 days in advance of 10th September and must be removed 1-2 days after 18th September.
4) NO banners permitted.
5) Signs not removed by the artists will be removed by Aberdeen City Council and the cost of removal will be charged to member.
ABERDEENSHIRE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEOS SIGNS
Each location venue will be allowed to display up to 4 NEOS signs (A3 & no bigger).
1) Directional arrows drawn on the signs should be made as large as possible and the venue number MUST be recorded in the top right hand corner.
2) The signs can be put up 1-2 days in advance of 10th September and must be removed 1-2 days after 18th September.
3) Signs not removed by the artists will be removed by Aberdeenshire Council and the cost of removal will be charged to member.
4) Please read the guidelines set out by Aberdeenshire Road’s Department at:
www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads/maintenance/GuidelinesonUnauthorisedSigns.pdf
Thank you for all your help and good luck with your show!
NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information




















