Creativity Blooms at the 2026 Meffan Winter Show
ANGUSalive Museums & Galleries unveiled the 2026 Meffan Winter Show on Friday 30 October.
Originally launched as the ‘Christmas Extravaganza’, the Meffan Winter Show has developed into one of the key events in the Scottish arts calendar. The exhibition, which is now in its 34th year, provides an opportunity for artists of all levels from across Scotland to exhibit their work and features a diverse range of visual art including painting, sculpture, textiles and ceramics.
This years exhibition saw 384 submissions with 314 works of art being selected for the exhibition.
Through the contributions of prize-winning artists over many years, Angus has continued to develop a vibrant collection of art that will be treasured by future generations. The exhibition includes the ANGUSalive Purchase Prize of £1,500, offering the opportunity for a selected artwork to become part of the ANGUSalive collection, as well as the Visitor’s Choice Award for Amateur Artists of £200, chosen by public vote.
The 2026 Purchase Prize winners were:
- Forfar Association for Continuing Education for ‘Woolly Flowers’
- Steve Grimmond for ‘Crystal orange glistening pandrogyne’
- Rhona Kirkpatrick for ‘Viginti Quinque’
- Meg Manson for ‘Salmon Nets at Lunan Bay’
Museums, Galleries & Archives Exhibitions Lead, Meghann Logue, said: “Every year the Winter Show brings fresh ideas, new voices and exceptional artwork to the Meffan. It’s a brilliant opportunity to experience the breadth of creative talent across Scotland.”
Steve Grimmond, creator of ‘Crystal orange glistening pandrogyne’ said: “I am thrilled to be the recipient of the ANGUSalive purchase prize, and honoured to become part of the fine art collection. This ceramic sculpture is one of a series of magical deep sea creatures from the east coast.”
A spokesperson for Forfar Association for Continuing Education, creators of prizewinning textile ‘Woolly Flowers’ said: “As an organisation run by volunteers, we’re absolutely delighted that the enjoyment experienced by last year’s Crafting with Wool class, along with the artistic skill they demonstrated in creating their ‘Woolly Flowers’, has been recognised.
“This is one of our classes with a particularly strong social element, bringing people together to learn, create and enjoy a shared experience. We hope the success of this wonderful artwork will inspire others to come along, try something new and discover the enjoyment of our evening classes.”
The Meffan Winter Show 2026 is now open until Monday 11 January 2027. The Meffan is open from 10.30am – 4pm on Thursdays through to Mondays throughout November and December.
Visitors are invited to browse the exhibition, vote for the Visitor’s Choice Award and perhaps find a unique festive gift while supporting Scottish artists.
You can find out more about the exhibition at angusalive.scot/events/meffan-winter-show-2026/