NEOS 2012: 15th - 23rd September 2012

Call for Artists:

Blairs Museum is always looking for artists to exhibit in the space at the back of the beautiful church in the peaceful surroundings at Blairs.

We are currently seeking artists who work in different types of media (fine art, print, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, photography) to take the opportunity to utilise the space and serenity 4 miles out of the city centre on the South Deeside Road. Remember!

Blairs is also seeking artists to show during NEOS 2012, so grab the chance to be organised before sign up happens!

Please contact Vikki on 01224 863767 if you are interested at any time of the year.

Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

NEOS AGM

The AGM has just been confirmed for Saturday the 18th of February from 10am - 1pm at Airyhall Community Centre on Countesswells Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 8AD.

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

Since its inception in 2003, NEOS has grown amazingly and now beginning its 9th year NEOS urgently needs the membership to help make sure NEOS still continues to thrive.

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.

News update from the AB+ Cultural Conference

If you haven’t signed up (by e-mailing aberdeen.positive@gmail.com) then hopefully this update will convince you that this is a conference not to be missed. An opportunity for your voice to be heard in driving the future of the arts and culture in Aberdeen.
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.

Of course, whilst the speakers are important, the vital element will be your participation in the two workshop sessions and we’ll have more details of these – and the subjects to be discussed – in the new year.

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,

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

NEOS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR @ BV

For the third year Bridge View Gallery is offering craftspeople and maker members of NEOS the opportunity to set up a stall at the opening of their Christmas show on 1st December. (6-8pm)
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 .

Once again a booking fee of £5 will go directly to NEOS funds for the next years event.

Set up will be the afternoon of Thursday 1st December

Commission of 35% with 10% going to NEOS funds
　
I do hope you will consider taking part as this helps keep NEOS and the individuals participating in the public eye throughout the year.

book your place by contacting francescrawford@yahoo.co.uk
www.bridge-view.co.uk

Frances Crawford Art
Art Leasing Consultancy
Allathumpach
Glen Deskry
Strathdon
AB36 8XL
tel: 01975651719

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

NEOS DeeTour Day!

A NEOS DeeTour Day - Monday 12th Sept

This year’s North East Open Studios (NEOS) promises to be the best yet with over 1,000 exhibitors. Founded in 2003 - NEOS has gone from strength to strength making it Scotland's largest open studios.
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.

For more details on either DeeTour or to book tickets for the NEOS tour please visit www.deetour.co.uk or contact Sarah at The Butterworth Gallery on Tel 013398 86104.

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Hilary Duncan's NEOS Pottery Workshops

Hilary Duncan ~ Ceramics ~ Entry Number 75

Hilary will be holding some pottery workshops during NEOS to give people a chance to try throwing a pot on the wheel, and to hand-build a small piece.
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