Over the Hills & Far Away is showing in St Fergus Gallery, Wick from 16 May until 7 June. This displays the work from the 2006/7 Highland Council Exhibitions Units Craft Residency Project and also features local artist Beth Legg. Meanwhile Swanson Gallery in Thurso is showing Scape and Landscape.

Over the Hills & Far Away features ceramicist Hanne Mannheimer, who was based in Rosebank Primary, Nairn and glass artist Carole Robinson who was resident in Inverness Royal Academy. Work created by the pupils during their residencies is shown alongside, in addition to new work by the participating makers from previous years, including Tim Johnson, Gilly Langton and Rachel Higgins.

The craft residency project covered all eight areas of the Highlands and placed makers in schools to work with pupils and teachers. The pupils themselves selected the maker to work with them. Makers created a body of new work in response to their residency and the location. The project was funded by the Scottish Arts Council and the Highland Council.

Showing alongside the exhibition is selected work by Highland makers that has been created in response to other Highland school projects. These include the Golden Broom tartan from Mulbuie Primary school and the Highland Constellation bound book and Star Jewellery collection, featuring work by, Beth Legg, Laura West, Lucy Woodley and Gilly Langton.

Beth Legg a jewellery maker from Barrock, Caithness is currently in Nova Scotia as part of an exchange, having been selected by pupils from Dalbrae Academy to come to work with them. The exchange scheme will see Cape Breton craft worker Kelly Krawchuck join Ardnamurchan High School during May and June.

The exhibition runs at the St Fergus Gallery from 17 May to 7 June. Admission is free.

Scape and Landscape at The Swanson Gallery is a mixture of photographs and large canvases. The former is a photographic exhibition highlighting the plight of Scotland's threatened coastlines, featuring award-winning images taken by members of the public. It was organised by the Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE). http://www.scapetrust.org/ctc/
 
Accompanying the exhibition are selected landscapes from the Highland Council's Scottish Arts Council collection, including by Wendy Sutherland, Glen Onwin, Barbara Rae, Robyn Kennedy and Kirsteen Body

The exhibition runs at the Swanson from 10 May to 7 June. Admission is free.


Swanson opening times; M, T, W 1 to 5pm, Fr 1 to 8pm, Sat 10am to 1pm, Closed Thurs and Sun
St Fergus opening times: M, T, Th 12 to 5pm, Fr 2 to 8pm, Sat 10.30am to 1pm, Closed Wed & Sun

Further information: Swanson Gallery 01847 896357; St Fergus 01955 603489

Area Cultural Officer 01349 885114