Meffan Winter Show opens for its 31st year
The ANGUSalive Meffan Winter Show opened with a preview evening of the selected works on Friday 10 November.
The 2023 show attracted over 230 artworks which were considered for the show, with 156 pieces being selected for the exhibition in Forfar’s Meffan Museum & Art Gallery. As well as showcasing their work in this open exhibition, each of the selected artists had the opportunity for their work to be chosen to become a permanent piece in the Angus public collection.
This year guests at the preview enjoyed the locally produced gin as a refreshment on the evening thanks to The Gin Bothy.
Meghann Logue, ANGUSalive Exhibition Lead said: “The Meffan Winter Show started as a Christmas Extravaganza and is now in its 31st year. It’s a lovely opportunity to get local artists involved in their gallery and their museum because the space that we have is for them.
“The standard of work was amazing and we’re sure visitors will enjoy viewing the selected pieces.”
The ANGUSalive purchase prize was split between three pieces, Steve Haden’s willow sculpture titled ‘Absorbere’. Steve said: ““This is the second time I’ve exhibited a piece, I was completely shocked to be a winner given the quality and standard of the other artists in the show.
“Apart from making functional willow pieces I enjoy weaving willow structurally. My winning piece is emulating the way nature can take over. Survival of the fittest. Depicting how the force of nature is interconnected but will absorb and smother the weak. I didn’t think that a willow structure would be able to compete with traditional arts. However, it is encouraging to know that willow does have its place and is appreciated by the judges.”
Cameron Ross shared the ANGUSalive purchase prize with his collage with printers ink and lithographic crayon called ‘Merle’. Cameron said: “I’m delighted to win the purchase prize for the second time and to have my work in the Meffan/ Angus collection. It’s crucial that small, but important, regional collections such as these continue to grow and evolve. Exhibitions like these, where amateur and professional artist show together are an important part of the cultural landscape of the visual arts in Scotland.
“Regardless of your artistic background, there is always an excitement in seeing your work on the wall and entering the public domain”.
Philippa Johnston shared the ANGUSalive purchase prize with Cameron and Steve, with her piece called ‘Kingfishers’, an unusual wire drawing. Philippa said, “I am really delighted to have been chosen as one of the Purchase Prize Winners at this year’s Meffan Show. It’s so exciting to think that my wire drawing of a pair of kingfishers will become part of the Angus fine art collection. The piece is part of a 100-strong menagerie of birds and animals created using soft black iron wire and manipulated using my fingers and pliers. They are inspired by pen and ink sketches done largely on location at zoos and museums around Edinburgh. As well as working with wire, I also create sculptural pieces out of recycled tin.”
The exhibition is free of charge and runs Friday to Sunday from 11 November 2023 until 8 January 2024. Visitors can cast their vote for the Visitors Choice Award which will be announced on Friday 15 December during our late night opening. You can find out more information at www.angusalive.scot
Steve Haden pictured with his piece titled ‘Absorbere’ at the Meffan Winter Show preview night.
Cameron Ross pictured in his studio.
Kingfishers, a wire drawing by Philippa Johnston.