The new head of Moray Art Centre wants artists from the region and beyond to “push the boundaries” as part of a forthcoming exhibition.
Jacqueline Bennett has been appointed manager of the gallery after helping to organise the most recent Findhorn Bay Arts Festival.
Now she wants artistic talent from across Moray as well as the Highlands and Aberdeenshire to push their creative limits.
An open exhibition has been organised for the Findhorn gallery next month – giving anyone the opportunity to see their work on display.
Mrs Bennett, who was an art development officer at Moray Council for nine years, said: “There’s limited gallery space in Moray so I really wanted to give people the opportunity to raise the bar and get their work on show.
“There is an amazing breadth of talent, not just in Moray, but also in the neighbouring regions.
“I grew up in Fife with galleries in Edinburgh and Glasgow almost on the doorstep. I’ve got two children myself and I want kids to have the same understanding and awareness of the arts that I did.”
The event, which has been entitled the Winter Open Exhibition, is for established and new artists.
The best of the submissions, which can include paintings, prints, or photographs, will then be chosen to be displayed.
A panel of judges will then choose the pick of the artists to have their own dedicated exhibition during 2018.
Meanwhile, Mrs Bennett revealed plans are underway to give the gallery an overhaul next year.
She added: “We’re currently trying to get funding together for a refurbishment – a fresh coat or paint and new lights to create the best environment.”
