Fi Thomson
Fi Thomson studied Fine Art in 1980s Hull, exploring landscape, ecology and gender through painting, printmaking and performance. Now based in North East Scotland, they create immersive, large-scale ink drawings responding to local landscapes. Recent exhibitions include Deveron Projects (2024), the Scottish Landscape Awards 2025, and VAS exhibitions Common Ground and Future Folklore: The Art and Craft of Storytelling (Annual Exhibition 2026), exploring storytelling, emptiness and place.
Edward Foster
Edward is an internationally collected, self-taught artist based in the Forest of Bowland. For over three decades he has dedicated his life to painting the world as beautiful and divine, creating what he calls “the Art of the Sublime.” Working primarily in oil paint and pencil, he is acclaimed for his technical mastery and soulful, visionary style, inspired by profound experiences in nature. His work has appeared in national and international publications and on the BBC. A passionate musician and composer, he has released three albums and performs on the Renaissance lute, while also leading art workshops for all ages.
Riikka Palonen
To be out in the open air,
To wander freely and see the heavens,
To listen, smell feel and breathe.
These things are essential to my being
Everything slides into perspective -
The earth, the air, past and present
Then, once again can I return to my work
Rima Staines
Rima Staines is a London born artist whose work spans painting, theatre, music and storytelling. Rooted in myth and a lifelong vagabond spirit, her paintings evoke dreamlike, melancholic figures that feel both ancient and familiar. Living in South Devon, she creates immersive worlds where memory, magic and beauty converge.
Artist in Residence: Katrina Rowell introducing “Face of the Elders” silver-work
This example shows a bold, sculptural ring is cast in recycled silver from hand-carved Scots Pine bark, using the sand-casting method. Rich in texture and symbolism, it merges organic wildness with geometric structure, reflecting a maximalist approach rooted in intuition and natural lore. Inspired by the Scots Pine—linked in folklore to imagination, insight, and self-awareness—the piece was created through a highly experimental process. Its high-polish finish symbolizes clarity and reflection, uniting opposites of form and spirit. The result is a one-of-a-kind talisman that echoes the forest floor and carries the presence of the tree.
Artist in Residence
Painting Demonstration with Suzanne Birch
See Suzanne’s new work take shape before your eyes, a rare and privileged opportunity to see a local artist at work.
Artist in residence - Jim McCombie
It All Begins with an Idea
One Day Only: Meet the Artist in Residence
Jim is excited to share his work and creative process with you. While his paintings are regularly on display in the gallery, this is a rare chance to meet the artist in person, gain insight into his techniques, and see his work come to life before your eyes.
Eric White event
An afternoon celebrating the creative life of Eric White. This exhibition displays his unique hand-carved walking sticks (featured to left of video) which detailed Celtic and Pictish designs.
Eric was passionate about all things Scottish, particularly the Doric language and culture of the North East. After his retirement, when he wasn't walking in the hills, you would find him whittling his sticks and composing Doric verse while he worked in his garden.
Eric shared his work with friends and family and his songs are often sung round the Aberdeenshire folk music scene, and recently the Forres and Findhorn music scene.