Spring exhibitions
Bridget Riley: works from 1963-2001
Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow University
until April 6
This is a mini-retrospective of the work of one of Britain’s most accomplished and influential contemporary artists. Bridget Riley first achieved fame in the 1960s when her black and white pop art swirls and dizzy lines became an integral part of the London fashion scene. This show comprises 40 prints and other works, all featuring Riley’s distinctive colour theory and subtle shifts of fluctuating pattern.
Further information, tel 0141 330 5431www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk
The Eye of the Beholder
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee
until April 7
The show features paintings, photography, film and sculpture on the theme of beauty by six international artists who are all exhibiting in Scotland for the first time. You can see meticulously carved wooden flowers and artworks of brightly coloured fabrics that look like “abstract paintings that have melted off the wall and formed vibrant puddles”.
For information about schools activities, tel 01382 909225, www.dca.org.uk
Hands
Taigh-Chearsabhagh museum and arts centre, Lochmaddy, North Uist until April 13
The exciting and thoroughly professional exhibition of contemporary craftwork organised by pupils at Caol Primary near Fort William continues its tour of the Highlands and Islands with a stop at Lochmaddy. The show includes glass, jewellery, wood and ceramics created by 36 of the UK’s top craft makers.
The centre at Lochmaddy comprises two galleries, a museum, arts workshops and a designated study area, and the Hands exhibition is complemented by a programme of workshops for adults and children.
A collection of 2,000 photographs of North Uist life from the 19th century to the present day is also on display.
Further information, tel 0176 500293 www.Taigh-Chearsabhagh.org Euro-vision
Provost Skene’s House, Aberdeen
until April 19
On January 1, the greatest currency revolution ever seen was introduced in 12 European Union countries. Out went the familiar peseta, franc and mark, among others, and in came the euro coins and notes of the European single currency.
Euro-vision looks not only at the new coins and banknotes but also at what went before, beginning with Roman Empire coins - the world’s first truly international currency - and continuing up to the present day.
Further information, tel 01224 641086 Portraits
Dick Institute, Kilmarnock
until May 18
This exhibition shows how Scottish portraiture has changed through the ages, using some of the star pieces from East Ayrshire Council’s own collection, including works by Sir Henry Raeburn and Daydreams by Millais, as well as fine examples on loan from other galleries in Scotland.
It includes formal commissioned portraits, self-portraits and images of the artists’ families and friends, focusing on the different relationships between artist and subject.
For information about school activities, tel 01563 554342
They’re Handed Doon
Newhaven Heritage Museum, Leith,Edinburgh
until December
What marks this small exhibition about Paisley shawls out from other, larger and more scholarly shows is that the five examples on display were all owned by Newhaven fish wives and were “handed doon” to someone still living in the village. One shawl belongs to museum assistant Margaret Dick, who inherited it from her Auntie Kate.
Each shawl is accompanied by information about the original owner. There are also photographs of local fish wives in their distinctive costumes, plus general information about the shawls and their owners.
This small local history museum, which was opened in 1994, has permanent displays, including video and audio material, about the community and the fishing industry. It is situated on the Newhaven harbour front, near the Ocean Terminal development in Leith.
For further information, contact the museum on tel 0131 551 4165
Seven Pit Wynd: coal town of Fife
Museum and Arts Coach
touring Fife
until March 2003
Fife Council’s travelling museum is back on the road again with a new exhibition. This time, a typical 1930s coal miner’s cottage has been created inside the bus, which will be touring schools and community venues across the area over the coming year.
A series of creative activities, including basket weaving, rag rug making, patchwork and quilting, have been designed to complement the exhibition.
Schools can also choose a performance from a singersongwriter, a storyteller or a Fife miner, Archie (played by an actor).
For details, contact Janice Crane at Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, tel 01592 412860
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