Ash Rise, an exhibition using wood from Scottish ash trees might not sound exciting but my goodness it was – very!
As soon as we walked into Studio 2 at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries we both gasped. The exhibits are drop-dead beautiful and poignant too since they are all made from timber felled as a result of the devastating ash dieback disease.
The pieces are so gorgeous you immediately want to stroke them but of course for understandable reasons you are not allowed. The lines are so graceful and the honey-coloured wood is calming. The furniture is lovely but there are all sorts of other works of art and crafts – including rakes and spades – all specially commissioned.
But a picture tells a thousand words…
This is a Scotland-wide touring exhibition (including from the Highlands & Islands to Dumfries & Galloway) celebrating furniture making, craft and design at its very best and tells the story of the ash tree, its history and its current use.
Gracefield Arts Centre is a great place to see ever-changing exhibitions throughout the year – from collections chosen from their extensive store, local artists and photographers and touring exhibitions like Ash Rise.
There is also a craft shop (where I buy lots of my Christmas and birthday presents – picking them up through the year) featuring local artists and craft-makers. And a small café for coffee, teas, delicious home-baking and light lunches.
So why not come and stay in Glencaple and take a visit to our local Art Gallery, buy a gift or two and enjoy lunch.
Check out the Flat’s availability and rates and call Sue on 01387 770348 or email us at sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to book. You can also find us on the Vrbo website if you’d prefer to instantly book on-line.
[Ash Rise is a collaboration between the Scottish Furniture Makers Association, Scottish Forestry and the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers. The project is supported by Creative Scotland.]
