#UnwrapArt 2024: Highlands
Our Member Development Officer Emma Gibson joined SCAN in March 2024, and acts as a champion for our members in the area. To coincide with our annual #UnwrapArt campaign, Emma has put together a round-up of festive workshops, courses and online shops designed to provide festive cheer whilst supporting artists in the Highlands during the run-up to Christmas.
FESTIVE WORKSHOPS
Winter Wreath Making
Wild Gorse Studio, 7–9pm, 12 December
A chance to make your own winter wreath using traditional techniques and materials at this fine art floristry studio in Beauly – with festive refreshments and materials provided.
Isle of Riso Drink and Draw
Inverness Creative Academy, 7–9:30pm, 13 December
SCAN member Alice Prentice aka Isle of Riso leads the final Drink and Draw session of the year, with the chance to work on creative projects and enjoy a drink in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
HIGHLANDS MEMBERS’ ONLINE SHOPS
ATLAS Arts
atlasarts.org.uk/shop
Support the Skye-based arts organisation by purchasing prints, cards and gifts with a local flavour, including a tote bag mapping every road on Skye, a silk scarf inspired by purple moor-grass, and crofting-themed playing cards (pictured) that double as a fun Gaelic educational tool.
Pier Arts Centre
shop.artuk.org
Pier Arts Centre’s online shop is managed by fellow SCAN member Art UK, and includes homeware and prints adorned with work from collection artists including Sylvia Wishart and Alfred Wallis.
Soulisquoy Printmakers
soulisquoy.co.uk
Orkney-based printmakers Soulisquoy offer a selection of specially commissioned prints produced with Pier Arts Centre, inspired by local flora and fauna.
COURSES
Making at Gaada
gaada.org/booking
Shetland-based members Gaada run a year-round programme of workshops, with places on a number of upcoming one-day workshops – from drypoint etching to zine-making – which would make ideal gifts. They also have a great online shop stocked with prints, zines and gifts.
Beginners Screenprint at Highland Print Studio
highlandprintstudio.co.uk/classes
Have a loved one who wants to learn a new skill in 2025? This beginners screenprinting course at Highland Print Studio in Inverness covers the basics, with participants creating a small edition of original prints over a weekend in February.
Main image: A3 Risograph print by Daniel Clark, Gaada
Follow the campaign and tag your contemporary art gift tips on social media at #UnwrapArt