Remember pre-pandemic days of wandering round the stunningly creative marquis at Kelvingrove during Glasgow Contemporary Arts Fair? Post Pandemic and the creative flair is so bright it’s ignited a new name and a new venue…
I have always loved art, have been stunned by the talent of creatives who with their imagination and skilled hands bring to life the world around us. And so, it was with a rip roaring Hurra and Huzza that I welcomed the news of the Glasgow Contemporary Arts Fayre’s (GCAF) new incarnation. Reveal Glasgow is the new name for the GCAF and the fair will also have a new home: the SEC.
Gerry Muldoon, Director of GM Events Ltd, who are organising the festival explains, “We re-branded so the event name would reflect the exciting dynamic contemporary art that visitors can expect to see. The Marquee at Kelvingrove Art Gallery was a great venue” says Gerry “but as there was not sufficient space to put in a bigger marquee, it could not cope with our ever-increasing visitor numbers. So, we had to look for a new venue and the SEC was the obvious choice.”
The move will most certainly give a larger range of facilities. Gerry agrees “The SEC offers excellent catering and hospitality facilities, plenty of parking, increased exhibitor space and added visitor attractions such as free art workshops on the Saturday and Sunday.”
New name and new venue. But for those concerned that this marks an end to the ethos of the GCAF, it couldn’t be further from the truth. The values and principles of the event remain steadfastly the same: to bring together stunning, inspiring, and original contemporary artwork from across the land.
The event is a biggy, with around 1,500 contemporary artworks and hundreds of exhibitors. But it’s not just about painting, is it? Not at all. Gerry says, “As well as paintings, visitors can view and buy from an excellent choice of sculpture, print, glassware, digital art and photography.”
And the event is not just for elite art collectors. Available to take home or have delivered will be art from small to large and to suit every budget.
A popular event is sure to be the free art classes, under the tutelage of Peter J Scott from the Glasgow School of Art. “Peter is such a talented and well-known artist and teacher”, adds Gerry “so we expect the classes to be fully booked so we urge those interested to contact Peter as early as possible.” The 1-hour classes will run on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm.
Another popular event over the weekend is the preview evening on the Friday. Such is its popularity, that admission is by advance ticket only as it’s consistently a sell-out event. And with a champagne bar at the event get your tickets ASAP!
Lead Sponsor of the event is Byres Road very own Alchemy Experiment. The Inclusive Arts Venue and Collective opened in October 2020. The aim was to create a space in Glasgow that could play host to artists creative visions. The exhibition space is the brainchild of local artist Denis Houlihan, whose son Pierce now manages the exhibition space. As well as exhibits, Alchemy also hosts live music and pop-up shops for local artists and makers. Continuing their support of the Arts, The Alchemy Experiment now stand as proud headline sponsors of Reveal and will showcase the art they are so proud of at the exhibition.
May: a month whose long, light evening entice us with the hope, energy and beauty of the Summer ahead. Reveal, like the virtues of May promises to showcase that Art really does imitate life.
Reveal Glasgow will take place from Friday 19th – Sun 21st May. The preview evening of Friday the 19th is by advance purchase ticketing only. Free Art classes on Saturday and Sunday should also be booked in advance.
For more information on Reveal Glasgow visit w:revealglasgow.co.uk
fb:Reveal
Instagram:reveal_glasgow
To book a free art class during the weekend contact –
peterjscott@peterjscottfineart.com
and please note “Reveal Workshops” in subject box
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