A major exhibition of work by more than 20 young graduate artists from Orkney has gone on show at the islands’ Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, until the end of April.

Generation features artists who attended school in Orkney and went on to graduate with degree awards in art and design from art schools and colleges throughout the UK between 2000 and 2008.

Isla Holloway, the arts centre’s information officer, who is one of the artists featured, says: “The exhibition reflects the talent that is nurtured and supported within the formal education system and through engagement with the wider artistic and cultural community in Orkney. The show includes work in a wide variety of media such as sculpture, drawing, painting, installation, film, textiles, jewellery, animation and architecture.”

The Pier Arts Centre, which houses a world-renowned collection of British modern art, has held graduates’ exhibitions since it opened in 1979, but this is the first since a major Pounds 4.5 million refurbishment.

Teachers from Orkney’s primary and secondary schools, as well as Orkney College, which has a strong art and design department, have been invited to a special after-hours private view on March 19. In addition, the Pier is holding a student evening on March 10 when young people, their parents and anyone else considering studying fine art, design or architecture can see the recent graduates’ work.

“They can meet and speak to some of the artists and designers,” says Carol Dunbar, the centre’s education officer, “and pick up information about art colleges and schools.”

www.pierartscentre.com

T 01856 850209.