Five Highland makers and designers and 15 others from around Scotland have been selected to showcase their work at a prestigious craft show in the US for the first time.
Trade organisation Craft Scotland has forged an agreement with the American Trade Craft Council (ACC) which will allow Scottish arts and crafts workers to display beside US-based designers.
American Craft Show Baltimore has up to now only showcased the work of US crafts people and is expected to be attended by more than 20,000 people between February 20 and 24.
The Highland contingent travelling to the show comprises Skye-based ceramicist Patricia Shone, Munlochy silverware specialist, Eileen Gatt and jewellery makers and designers Melanie Muir, from Nairn, Gilly Langton, Plockton and Heather McDermott, also form Skye.
Fiona Logue, director of Craft Scotland, said: “Scotland has a rich heritage in craft and making and what is particularly exciting is how that influences makers working in Scotland today.
“The makers and designers selected are a mixture of emerging and established talent, all of whom challenge perceptions of what Scottish craft might be and it is that vibrancy that has been recognised by the American Craft Council.
“We’re delighted to be able to facilitate this opportunity for Scotland’s makers and to continue to develop links between Scotland and North America.”
The organisation said work to be exhibited at the show, by jewellers, ceramicists and textile workers had been inspired by Scotland’s seascapes and coastline, flora in the Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Scottish folklore and Scotland’s urban creatures.
Pamela Diamond, director of marketing and communications at ACC, said: “ACC firmly believes in the value and inspiration that exchanging ideas, cultural influences and methods of making can provide for both artists and show attendees alike.
“We look forward to hosting this exciting showcase of 20 artists representing Scotland’s fresh and contemporary take on craft.”
The five-day show includes two trade days, followed by three retail days which are open to the public.
Arts agency Creative Scotland believes it will allow Scottish makers to connect with an American audience.
Clive Gillman, director of creative industries at Creative Scotland, said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase this work and to introduce it to new audiences across the Atlantic.”
