A summer of shows at Gracefield

MORE than 160 pieces feature in this year’s Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society Annual Exhibition. It started on Saturday at Gracefield in Dumfries and will run until Saturday August 9. There will be a ‘fascinating selection’ of members’ work, from painting and drawing to craft and sculpture. Originally set up in 1922, the society is a vibrant group of like-minded people. It welcomes beginners and experienced artists, and its aim is to encourage anyone with a keen interest in the visual arts to make the most of opportunities including exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations and workshops. Cllr Tracey Little has already had a preview and said: “Congratulations to the all the artists for another wonderful annual exhibition. It’s great to see so many members’ artwork and to have the chance to purchase and new piece or start your own original art collection.” Also popping up at Gracefield this summer, until July 19, is the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), presented by Dumfries Camera Club. It showcases 60 prints by 60 different photographers. The PAGB organises national events and competitions for nearly 1000 photographic clubs all over the UK with a total membership approaching 40,000. The Masters of Print exhibition, now in its eighth year was built from scratch to show just how good amateur photography can be. The emphasis is on new, largely unseen work, created with skill and passion, and club members have responded enthusiastically, more every year, sending their very best photographs for consideration. Rod Wheelans from Dumfries Camera Club said: “The standard this year is exceptional, and this is a gem of a show, not to be missed.”