An atmospheric barn located just outside Perth will become home to 34 artists, working across a range of media, for a rural arts exhibition. ‘In the Garden with Friends’ will be held from Saturday, May 13 to Sunday, June 4, 2017 at The Barn Gallery at The Bield, near Tibbermore.

As well as paintings, photography and ceramics, visitors will find works in copper, wood, felt, glass, tweed and even willow. All the exhibitors’ works tie in with the Scottish landscape, be they inspired by the coastline, Scotland’s rugged mountains, its flora or fauna.

The exhibition is the brainchild of Katy Galbraith, herself an artist, who works in mosaics. “The title ‘In the Garden with Friends’ sums up the atmosphere we wish to create. We’re hosting an informal exhibition where we want everyone to feel welcome, to spend time in the countryside and leave the barn with new ideas, having met some of the artists along the way. On a personal level the exhibition encourages me to create new work that’s a bit more experimental than the commissions and ‘made for sale’ art. For the project as a whole, I've seen some snippets of pieces in progress, which demonstrate that the various artists are really creating new bodies of work especially for the exhibition, and some are also collaborating in new ways. It’s exciting to watch.”

Fellow artists who visit ‘In the Garden with Friends’ will enjoy the range of creativity on display but the range and the mix of mediums should appeal to, “Anyone who likes a visual treat,’ says Katy, ‘There will also be a big range in terms of price too. None of us takes an elitist approach to our work or to art, so hopefully anyone visiting the exhibition will enjoy it too.”

Some of the artists that jump out include Andy Claydon who works predominantly in native timbers such as oak, ash, elm, yew, laburnum, and fruit woods like cherry, apple and plum. Based in the Ochil Hills just north of Kinross, his workshop is surrounded by woodland which he fashions into earthy tables, mirrors and bowls. His works are definitely a piece of the outdoors indoors.

The images of Ann Forsyth and Gillian Hunt are quietly captivating. Using powerful lens they highlight the beauty of Scotland if you look closely enough. By zooming in on everyday Scottish flowers, from snowdrops to dandelion heads, they let the audience see these commonplace plants in their detailed beauty. Hunt explains how, as a child, she didn’t feel she quite fit in, and “wasn’t interested in the usual games of children. I found a great deal of joy just spending time in the woods and fields that surrounded where I lived – spending time looking at plants and animals and insects. I found a totally and utterly absorbing land full of wonder and magic.”

Meanwhile the photography of Dave Hunt has a haunting, almost sepia Victorian quality to it. A desolate tree appears isolated, disturbing yet beguiling. It’s easy to get drawn into his images and wonder what on earth happened over the centuries under the ghostly trees and skylines he captures.

For works with a pop of colour, a more optimistic mood and a touch of Dali and Rodney Matthews then the quirky, curvaceous paintings of Gail Stirling Robertson depict Scotland, its weather and its icons with movement and a touch of whimsy. From Drummond Castle, to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, to everyday red phone boxes, it’s easy to spot Gail’s transformative signature style. “In an art world that can be stuffy and snobbish, I think there is room for a lighter hearted approach. I would like to think my work makes the viewer smile”, adds Gail.

The jewellery artists are also forward looking, mixing outdoor influences with contemporary design.

Jenna McDonald from Strathearn combines the colour schemes and tones from nature with modern aluminium. Bright and vibrant they provide a pop of colour that won’t go unnoticed. “My fascination with colour has come from a lifelong appreciation of our natural surroundings, from lush Scottish landscapes and tranquil seascapes to the vivid hues and patterns found in flora and fauna,” says Jenna. Kate McLaughlin’s altogether more geometric designs comprise a collection entitled ‘Tail Fin’. Whilst the pieces are sleek and architectural, inspiration originated from objects found on Tentsmuir Beach in Fife.

Founder Katy Galbraith discovered The Barn as an art space when she won a prize to stage her own exhibition there. “It’s a retreat on the outskirts of Perth, a very calming place with loads of space around it, and very informal gardens, including a meditative maze (with one of my mosaics at the starting point). It’s an inspiring location and makes for a wonderful day out.”

The 34 artists gathering for ‘In the Garden with Friends’ were brought together by Katy after years working in and enjoying the Perthshire arts scene. “Some of the artists have been friends for a long time, and some are new connections within the creative field. The exhibition should be fun, colourful and ‘happy’. We’d welcome anyone to come along”.

Discover more at https://inthegardenwithfriends.wordpress.com