Broughton's thriving gallery scene continues to amaze, and at this time of year there is an almost bewildering variety of exhibitions and one-off events to tempt the visitor. Here we offer an incomplete summary of what's on offer, and urge readers to enjoy taking the plunge for themselves. (For a complete list, see Arts and Entertainment in the Directory.)
Two trends emerge: (1) Works depicting animals are popular across the market: we've spotted pandas, owls, chickens, chimps, fish, hares, salmon, and huskies, and have barely scratched the surface. (2) Galleries are intensely aware of the current economic climate and in response are exhibiting works which are accessible to a variety of budgets. Many small artworks – described as 'gift ideas' – are now well within reach.[img_assist|nid=1294|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=192|height=200]
The Christmas exhibition at Art Amatoria (10/2 Bellevue Crescent) will run until 18 December, with two fairs (art + wine and mince pies) on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December. Work by Edinburgh-based Lucy Parsons (Boxing Hares, right), Lettie Blackett, Dorothy Lawrenson and Kerrie McGibbon will feature alongside that of the Ukrainian pair of Lana Okiro (Chilles, above) and Andriy Yalanskyi, and Northumberland artist Lizzie McCorquodale. Prices start at £40 for an etching, and varied gift ideas will also be on offer.
Broughton Deli Art’s ‘Merry Menagerie’ exhibition (7 Barony Street) runs until 14 January and features animal-themed creations by Ruth Addinal, Eleni Karlokoti, Libby Walker, Nekocheri, Kevin Sim and Lindsay Brown. Work by the promising textile design student William Watson-West will appear next to that by eco-chic Susiemaroon and The Lindstrom Effect.
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At Axolotl (35 Dundas Street) Roland Corbin’s astonishingly vibrant chickens, geishas and fish will share space with Sarah Muirhead’s studies of the odd, the aged and the interesting she’s encountered in Edinburgh (Lewis, right). Affordable prices are promised in the Christmas Gift Gallery.
In an exciting new development, ElboW bar and kitchen (133–5 East Claremont Street) will host monthly exhibitions by local artists from December onwards. German-born Kerstin Gruenling’s ‘From Here to Eternity’ will start proceedings: a photographic series examining the aesthetics of beauty (bottom).[img_assist|nid=1291|title=|desc=|link=node|align=right|width=133|height=200]
‘The Animals are Coming’ will show at the Union Gallery (45 Broughton Street) from 2 December to 12 January. A mixed show of top contemporary talents (e.g. Cathy Campbell, James Newton Adams and Jean Hall), it includes new glassware by Saatchi Award-listed Jessica Irena Smith (Flat Pack Bird Cage, right), and a tribal craft-influenced installation – The Hunt – by Hannah Haworth.
Keith Salmon landscapes, Fee Dickson seascapes, Anna Reid screen prints and new works from regulars Robert Euman, Kath Archer, Little E, Pum Dunbar and Lee Ritchie are on offer at The Gallery on the Corner’s open day on Friday 3 December from 4:00–8:00pm (34 Northumberland Street). Christmas gift ideas and a small exhibition by three creative apprentices will also feature.
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