UPCOMING EVENTS

Exhibition at Souter Johnnies 10 July to 3 August
Jul
10
to 3 Aug

Exhibition at Souter Johnnies 10 July to 3 August

July Exhibition at Souter Jonnie’s Cottage opens from Friday 10 July to 3 August. The Artusts include David Grant, Lynn Griffiths and Tina Sloan. All welcome!

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Ayrshire Arts Events this summer
Jul
15
to 31 Aug

Ayrshire Arts Events this summer

Looking for some creative inspiration this season? Come along and explore the fantastic art exhibitions taking place across North Ayrshire this summer. From talented local artists to captivating displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit, explore and be inspired!

Harbour Arts Centre - Main Gallery - Margaret Carslaw - Formation - until late August

Eglinton Country Park - North Ayshire Open Art - until 18 July

Arran Open Studios - Brodick Hall - Preview Exhibition - until 18 July

Please check each individual venues opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Margaret Carslaw Exhibition
Jul
15
to 31 Aug

Margaret Carslaw Exhibition

Formation by Margaret Carslaw | Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine Harbourside | Open Wednesday - Saturday (9.30am -4.30pm) until Saturday 22 August 2026.

Our Main Galleries has welcomed burst of colour, intrigue and vibrancy this summer thanks to much-loved local artist, Margaret Carslaw...

Based at Courtyard Studios in an inspiring space with beautiful scenic seaside views, Margaret Carslaw is anything but the traditional coastal landscape artist you might expect!

After raising her children and deciding to go to Glasgow School of Art at the age of 50, Margaret has over three decades of creative experience and art practice to share…

Better yet, her work is expansive and huge with her latest exhibition promising a feast for the eyes across a host of super largescale canvases.

Looking forward to returning to the HAC with her ‘Formation’ exhibition, artist Margaret shares: “I read somewhere, if you want to live a long life, become an artist. I may be living proof as this year

I’ll be 89! I have a deep history with the Harbour Arts Centre going back to the 1980’s when it was a community led organisation, so to have a solo show on my doorstep, with my studio next door at the Courtyard, feels just like home.”

When asked about her creative process, Margaret explains: “I studied at Glasgow School of Art on the BA (Hons) Fine Art course. This transformed everything; my practice, my ambitions and my thought process.

“This is where I started painting on large scale canvases. I loved every moment of it, even the criticism and the challenges - being an artist isn’t easy, it takes courage. Also it’s never too late - I became a student when my children left home, so if you have artistic ambitions do not let age hold you back. Aging is positive!”

With free entry and artworks on display available for purchase, Formation in the HAC’s Main Galleries is an immersive journey into Margaret’s creative process where ideas begin, how they evolve and why a finished painting never ends.

The exhibition will take place from Friday 10 July until Saturday 22 August 2026.

Margaret invites you to step into her beautiful ordinary, the abstract natural world, seen through her powerful large-scale oil paintings accompanied by original source material, drawings, sketches and the written word.

Large expansive canvases in a host of punchy and perfectly imperfect styles will offer viewers the chance to have a moment to breathe in nature and look beyond.

Find out more in the news release: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/.../reset-and-re...

#SupportLocalArtists #SummerFunNA #LoveNorthAyrshire

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Alloway Tunnel - Gilding the Lily Workshops
Aug
2
to 16 Aug

Alloway Tunnel - Gilding the Lily Workshops

Gilding the Lily - workshop at the Burns Cottage Gallery

August 2 1pm to 4pm

August 3- 9th from 10.30am-4.30pm

A special opportunity for talented artists to help put the icing on the cake in the Alloway Tunnel.

If any artist want to take part in the workshops please contact Shelegh@allowaytunnell.onmicrosoft.com

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Summer Plein Air Day 2026
Aug
16

Summer Plein Air Day 2026

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Troon Art Club Plein Air Day will take place at the beautiful Dumfries House on Sunday 16 August, from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Join fellow members for a relaxed and inspiring day of painting and sketching in the stunning surroundings of one of Scotland’s finest heritage estates. Whether you prefer landscapes, architecture, gardens or simply capturing the atmosphere of the day, there will be plenty to inspire your creativity.

Please follow the link below to tell us if you can make the event:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeh7_1D7SAqGI9N-yqLTDG6fKea-lkNgn6iL0fgIX6d-0Fogg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100253701640110158202

A few things to note:

  • Travel: Please make your own travel arrangements. Car sharing is encouraged where possible. Parking is available at Dumfries House (£5 charge).

  • Materials: Bring your own painting or drawing materials and any equipment you may need for working outdoors.

  • Lunch: Feel free to bring a packed lunch, or enjoy refreshments at the Dumfries House café.

  • Tours: Members who wish to take part in any of the organised house or garden tours are welcome to arrange these directly with Dumfries House.

  • Best Painting Award: At the end of the day, members will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork, with prizes awarded for the Best Paintings of the Day.

We hope you'll join us for a wonderful day of art, friendship and creativity in a truly inspiring setting.

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North Ayrshire Open Art
Jul
4
to 18 Jul

North Ayrshire Open Art

This year will be the 30th year that the North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition will be held in the Racquet Hall at Eglinton Country Park in North Ayrshire. Over the years thousands of people have exhibited work or visited the exhibitions, participated in associated events and voted for their favourite artwork, so get ready to get involved this year!

Information here:- Submissions | naopenart

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Super Saturday - Summer Exhibition
Jul
4
to 5 Jul

Super Saturday - Summer Exhibition

Visit Super Saturday and discover a stunning collection of artwork from local artists. With a wide selection of affordable pieces for sale, you may find the perfect gift for a birthday, special occasion, or Christmas.

The exhibition is open in the Boys’ Brigade Hall, next to Troon Swimming Pool, until 11 July. Entry is free, with opening hours from 11am to 7pm each day.

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Troon Art Club Summer Exhibition 2026
Jun
27
to 11 Jul

Troon Art Club Summer Exhibition 2026

Come and See! - Troon Art Club’s Fantastic Exhibition 2026

Troon Art Club’s much-loved Annual Summer Exhibition is back—and it’s bigger and better than ever! Opening its doors on Saturday, 27th June at 12pm – entry is free, this vibrant showcase promises a stunning array of artwork created by talented members from across Ayrshire.

This year’s collection is truly exceptional, bursting with creativity, colour, and craftsmanship. The exhibition has become a highlight of the local calendar, drawing art lovers from near and far—and 2026 is set to be no exception!

The exhibition will have guest judges, prize givings and a buffet. President Ian will be urging people to buy original art works and get inspired as much of the work on display is not available anywhere else and everything will be at affordable prices. 

There will be over 160 hanging framed artworks available for sale and more than 500 non-framed portfolio pieces available around the Hall.

The Exhibition will be held in the Boys Brigade (BB) Hall, next to the Troon swimming pool from Saturday 27th June to 11th July.  Entry is Free and opening times are 11am to 7pm daily following the opening.

A heartfelt thank you to SimpsInns for their continued and generous sponsorship, helping to make this event a lasting success year after year.

Don’t miss it—come and be inspired!

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Quartet at Studio 44
Apr
28
to 17 May

Quartet at Studio 44

Four wonderful Ayrshire artists will be showing their work in the QUARTET exhibition. Dianne Gardner, Samantha Briggs, Gregory Moore and Roy Burgoyne come together to present a rich and varied collection of work. Showcasing a diverse range of styles, subjects and techniques, the exhibition offers visitors an engaging insight into contemporary art from across the region.

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Scouller Exhibition
Apr
5
to 25 Apr

Scouller Exhibition

Glen Scouller RSW RGI and his wife Carol Scouller RSW, have a joint exhibition opening TODAY (5th), and running till the 25th April, at Rowallan Castle, Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire KA3 2LP.

Opening hours are Mon - Sun, 12 - 3pm.

Please note that it is NOT open, on the 8th, 11th or 17th April.

Fascinating venue - very instructive work to glean ideas from.

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AGM
Apr
1

AGM

Please make a point of attending the AGM if at all possible. We need a quorum to pass any resolutions.

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Sue Howat Exhibition
Mar
28
to 27 Apr

Sue Howat Exhibition

Pop in to see Sue Howat and Debbie Cassels Exhibition at Souter Jonnie’s Cottage, Kirkoswald KA19 6HY

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Lorraine Johnston - Workshop
Mar
25

Lorraine Johnston - Workshop

Award-winning children’s author Lorraine Johnston will deliver a workshop to our members to show the behind-the-scenes processes of illustrating children’s books. This will give you an insight of what it’s like to work with a writer.

This workshop is full of surprises, revelations, useful information along with a good measure of laughter too!

For more information visit her website www.writerlorrainejohnston.com

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Euan Tait Exhibition
Mar
21
to 13 Jun

Euan Tait Exhibition

Visit Euan Tait’s fabulous solo exhibition “Between the Plate, Block and the Pixel" at the Dick Institute Kilmarnock.

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Work Night
Mar
18

Work Night

Our demonstration artist, Todd Garner, cannot make this Wednesday 18th March due to ill health.  We tried to find a replacement artist at short notice but it was not to be.  We are instead having a work-night.  So bring your artworks and materials to develop your own personal projects and have a chat over coffee.

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Demo - Louise McBride
Mar
11

Demo - Louise McBride

Louise originally studied Visual Communication and photography at Glasgow School of Art and now uses her eye for photographic composition to capture the reference images which she uses back in her studio to plan, sketch and then paint landscapes, seascapes or any other type of scene which inspires her.

Her medium of choice is soft pastel, supported by pastel pencils and she also enjoys using charcoal and dabbling in graphite drawing.

A constant in her work is the inclusion of nature, no matter how minor. A particular passion is recreating striking cloud formations and using them as an important feature in her compositions.

Louise also undertakes commissioned work which often involves portraiture, in the form of people, pets or even soft toys on occasion!

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Demo - Kirsten Mackinnon
Mar
4

Demo - Kirsten Mackinnon

This week we are extremely lucky to have Kirsten Mackinnon a figurative painter of some repute from Glasgow.

Kirstin has a particular interest in portraiture, predominantly created from life, in oils and will be painting a live sitter.

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Professional Appraisal with Nicola Carberry (M - Z)
Feb
25

Professional Appraisal with Nicola Carberry (M - Z)

Bring along a piece of your own work (Members with surnames M to Z). 

Nicola will give you her professional appraisal with hints and tips.

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Demo - Michelle Ives
Feb
18

Demo - Michelle Ives

Michelle Ives is an artist and illustrator living and working in Glasgow, Scotland. Originally from South Africa, she trained in graphic design and illustration before moving to the UK and gaining further qualifications in the field of animation.

In 2016 she was shortlisted for the “Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year” competition, and in 2017 was awarded the Small Painting Award at the Paisley Art Institute 129th Annual Exhibition for her painting “wet Intersection”.

Her work is strongly influenced by the landscape near to which she lives (on the outskirts of Glasgow) and the ever changing light and atmosphere of the Scottish weather.

In 2018, she was once again shortlisted for Sky Arts, this time as a finalist in the “Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year” competition.

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Workshop - Nicole Stevenson
Feb
11

Workshop - Nicole Stevenson

After her demo last week, Nicole returns to lead us through a workshop.

You can still attend even if you weren’t at the demo, however bring a prepped board, a variety of thin papers/napkins and glue/acrylic gloss medium and old brushes…. and anything you might want to incorporate into a nautical, cove type scene…as well as a reference photo. There will probably be extras lying around!

Nicole had brought some watercolour sketches too so if collage sounds too much, bring watercolour gear. A fabulous opportunity to try something you might not do otherwise and Nicole is very approachable and generous with her skills!

Bring along:-

  • Thick cartridge paper or watercolour paper. Or wooden panels 

  • Papers 

  • Napkins

  • Wrapping paper

  • Photocopies of patterns 

  • Kitchen paper

  • Embossed wallpaper

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Demo - Nicole Stevenson
Feb
4

Demo - Nicole Stevenson

Drawn to coastlines, Nicole spends time in the places she wants to paint, doing water based media paintings and taking photos. Returning to the studio she works on wooden panels with layers of acrylic paint and collage papers that she has either collected or made herself with paint and different block printing methods.

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Workshop - Madhumati Manda
Jan
28

Workshop - Madhumati Manda

Following her demo last week, Madhumati returns to the club to lead a workshop. See the beautiful painting she started last week here.

Bring along materials you need to work on anything with the floral theme and Madhumati will be on hand with advice and support.

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Demo - Madhumati Manda
Jan
21

Demo - Madhumati Manda

Madhumati is an artist/musician, having graduated from Visva Bharati University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Santiniketan, India, 1998. Madhumati paints in a free impressionistic style and has always been fascinated by the interplay of colour, light and movement...these are the key characteristics of her works.

She loves to bring out the movements, colours and impressions of life around us - the joy of that which is seen and that which is heard!

This is Madhumati’s second demo for us - an evening not to be missed!

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Theme Night - “Wha’s like us”
Jan
14

Theme Night - “Wha’s like us”

Bring along a piece of work related to the theme ‘Wha’slike us’. It will be displayed and there will be an opportunity to explain why and how it was painted.

This is always a most interesting night - and it isn’t as scary as it sounds!

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4 in 1 - With Club Artists
Jan
7

4 in 1 - With Club Artists

Four Art Club members will set up around the hall with examples of their work. This is always a very sociable evening and is a great opportunity to explore different techniques and expand our own practice.

Tonight’s artists:-

  • Caroline Boreland

  • Lesley Herd

  • Paul Nelis

  • Kaz Stevenson

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Christmas Party / Worknight
Dec
3

Christmas Party / Worknight

Get ready to jingle all the way at this spectacular Christmas Event.

Join us for festive fun, where the holiday spirit comes alive. 🎅🌟

What to expect: 

  • Members in Christmas outfits and plenty of time for chatting and drawing .

  • A wonderful raffle.

  • Delicious Christmas Buffet treats - sandwiches, cakes, cheese, wine and juice. 

⛸️ Ice skating rink....well, no not this year!

Please dress up for the event with something Chrismassy -  jumpers, hats, santa suits etc to create cherished memories at the most wonderful time of the year.

Don't miss out – mark your calendar Wednesday 3 December for a Christmas celebration like no other!

We look forward to seeing you then

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Dates for your Diary
Nov
29

Dates for your Diary

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Opening Up with Vanessa Lawrence
Nov
26

Opening Up with Vanessa Lawrence

Vanessa Lawrence has gone from predominantly painting for many years to creating sculptures based on wildlife and the human figure.  

These sculptures have been commissioned both privately as well as for large scale public art commissions.  Although sculptures are the starting point these sculptures go on to influence drawings and paintings on to a variety of surfaces.  One work can evolve into a whole series of works, which keeps the whole practice exciting and open ended.

In 1993 Vanessa attended a 9-month programme at Lorenzo De Medici, School of Art, Florence, Italy studying figurative drawing and painting, then continued to live, work and paint in Switzerland until January 1998 when she obtained an 18-month sponsorship to attend The New York Studio School of Drawing Painting and Sculpture.  Vanessa then won scholarships from the school to complete the three-year program, including a 4-month exchange in autumn 2000 to the Ecole de Beaux Arte, Marseille, France.

After graduating from the Studio School in spring 2001, she was accepted to take part in the Studioscape Residency Program run by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council on the 91st Floor of the North Tower of the Twin Towers.  The residency was tragically ended on September 11th, which then forced Vanessa to return to Scotland where she works as a full time artist.

Read more about Vanessa here

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Model Night
Nov
19

Model Night

This evening there will be live model for you to sketch, paint or draw. A great opportunity to practice life drawing skills.

Bring along your materials of choice!

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Professional Appraisal (A - L) - Nicola Carberry
Nov
12

Professional Appraisal (A - L) - Nicola Carberry

Bring along a piece of your own work (Members with surnames A to L). 

Nicola will give you her professional appraisal with hints and tips.

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Worknight
Nov
5

Worknight

Bring along a current piece of work and enjoy a sociable evening sharing chat and ideas over a nice cup of tea!

Donations for tea/coffee/biscuits will be going to this year’s chosen charity.

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4 in 1 with Art Club Artists
Oct
29

4 in 1 with Art Club Artists

Four Art Club members will set up around the hall with examples of their work. This is always a very sociable evening and is a great opportunity to explore different techniques and expand our own practice.

Tonight’s artists:-

  • Jenny Brown

  • Sandra Innes

  • Audrey Kaufman

  • Cally Laidlaw

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Demo - Nicola Carberry
Oct
22

Demo - Nicola Carberry

Nicola Carberry BA PGCE Fine Art graduate of Glasgow School of Art, post-graduate certificate in Post-School Education from Strathclyde University, lecturer in Art & Design at Glasgow Kelvin College, member of Milngavie Art Club, former committee member of RGI and PAI.

Life drawing has been part of Nicola’s creative practice since the age of 15 at Dollar Summer School with the renowned Scottish artist Lys Hansen. Her drawings evolve through numerous sessions and layers. During lockdown, she also found a way of working with the figure via sessions online and began to recognise the flat screen for what it was, a frame around an image, like a still from a film or play. Being able to view the model as a character within a scene, opened lots of new possibilities.

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Worknight
Oct
8

Worknight

Bring along a current piece of work and enjoy a sociable evening sharing chat and ideas over a nice cup of tea!

Donations for tea/coffee/biscuits will be going to this year’s chosen charity.

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Demo - Lewis MacKenzie
Oct
1

Demo - Lewis MacKenzie

Lewis MacKenzie is a contemporary impressionist painter based near Glasgow in Scotland. His work features in numerous private collections and has appeared in exhibitions by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, The Royal Glasgow Institute and the Paisley Art Institute, as well as in several private art galleries in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

A mostly self-taught painter, Lewis trained as a biologist and worked for several years in a cancer laboratory before rekindling his life-long love of drawing and painting in the early 2010s. He draws influences from the masters of past eras, such as Velasquez, Vermeer, Raeburn, Sargent, and the Boston School Impressionists. His interests range from portraiture to still life and landscape, and he is committed to the impressionist way of working – to approach form through the study and interpretation of light, in an effort to draw out the musical and poetic resonances of the visual impression.

Read more about Lewis here

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