The picturesque village of Auchmithie, near Arbroath, is to hold its first dedicated arts festival next month.
Over the past few years the clifftop community has become home to a diverse group of creative artists, most of whom have played a prominent part in the annual Heritage Arts Auchmithie Residents (HAAR) committee festival.
It has been decided that there is now sufficient momentum to support a stand-alone arts festival.
Over the weekend of August 14-15 a total of 15 venues most of them homes will host exhibitions of work by local and guest artists and craft workers.
The work on display will cover areas as diverse as painting, wildlife photography, print-making, ceramics, sculpture and costume jewellery created from recycled materials.
Included in the exhibition will be a selection of works from the art classes held in the Annie Gilruth Memorial Hall over the winter, which were taught by Rikki Craig.
Rikki said, “Auchmithie is a village exposed to the full force of the elements, whether that be the summer sea haar, or the ferocious winter gales when the salt spume from the waves can be blown right over the houses from a raging sea, or the breathtaking beauty of still nights when the moon is reflected on a sea as calm as the proverbial millpond.
“It is a place of great elemental beauty and the amazing and ever-changing qualities of light and atmosphere make it a place much-loved by artists, photographers, bird-watchers, walkers, gardeners, anyone with an eye for beauty.
“The first Auchmithie Arts Festival will give visitors and local people the opportunity to enjoy the artists’ interpretations while, at the same time, enjoying the landscape which has inspired so much of the work on show.”
As well as the homes being opened as temporary galleries, St Peter’s Church and the Annie Gilruth Memorial Hall where light refreshments and home baking will be available throughout the weekend will also host free exhibitions featuring the work of over 40 contributors.
The displays will be open to the public from 10am-4pm each day and a walking guide leaflet has been produced for those who want to combine viewing the artworks with a stroll around the village.