Charity art exhibition celebrates 35th year

Clarkston Hall will be festooned with up to 400 works to host the Christian Aid Art Exhibition.

The annual event attracts visitors in their droves and surpasses expectations every for a one-off event.

Artists have agreed to donate one third of the income from sales on the day to the charity and, over the last decade alone, the event has boosted the charity’s coffers to the tune of around £73,000.

Last year, more than £11,000 was raised through the sale of paintings alone and £6,000 was sent to Christian Aid.

This celebration year, organiser Myrtle McGregor expects to outdo previous years in sales.

Looking back over the years, Myrtle said: “Way back in 1981, the local Christian Aid committee held a small art sale of paintings by local artists.

“Who would have thought that this would keep growing for 35 years and become a successful annual social event? Every year, people return to meet for a chat, a cup of coffee and to see and admire what is new in local art.

“Even in times of recession, many thousands of pounds have been raised for the charity. Some of our early artists went on to become very successful professional artists and there has been a trend in the type of work sold.

“West coast landscapes and flowers are now mixed with more contemporary work.

“The paintings of Glasgow by Gordon Avison are usually a sell out.

“The humorous paintings by Stan Milne and the landscapes of Ed Hunter are always popular. All are originals and at reasonable prices.

“The churches involved in the committee are Williamwood Stamperland, St Joseph’s Busby and St Aidan’s, Greenbank and Netherlee.

“This is a truly inter-denominational activity.”