New art exhibition launches at Museum of the Cumbraes
Our Arts and Culture team is excited to announce that art for wellbeing is in the spotlight at a new Garrison House exhibition.
Named 'Outwith', the Museum of the Cumbraes - located within the magnificent Garrison House on Millport - is host to the exciting contemporary art exhibition.
Launched last week and running until Thursday 12 December, the ‘Outwith’ exhibition features a showcase of work by talented Irvine-based artist Kevin O’Rourke.
The unique venue is run by North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Services and is home to many significant cultural artefacts and host to other exciting exhibitions all year round.
‘Outwith’ takes its inspiration from the Scottish word meaning ‘outside or beyond.’
Artist Kevin is no stranger to the local arts scene as when he’s not unleashing his creativity, he’s the friendly caretaker at North Ayrshire’s arts and culture hub – the Harbour Arts Centre (HAC), located at Irvine Harbourside.
Quote: Having already displayed my works recently at the HAC, I am delighted that ‘Outwith’ has now made the journey over to Millport as the Garrison is such a historic and prominent venue. Featuring art in a variety of styles, the exhibition has something for everyone. I hope that the artworks will encourage visitors to take some time to gaze and practice mindfulness while reconnecting with their own surroundings.
Quote from: Kevin O'Rourke, Local artist and HAC caretaker
He has always been an artist. From Glasgow, Covent Garden in London, France, Switzerland and Guernsey, Kevin's unique artworks have toured all over the world.
However, during the pandemic, when galleries closed and everyone was focused on staying safe at home, Kevin looked inward, creating experimental works closer to home.
Kevin adds: “Covid completely changed my approach and style. The works on display reflect the times during Covid when everything was in lockdown and the outdoors became more essential than ever.
“I think I’m experimenting more trying more mediums but mostly I turned to landscapes which I hadn’t really explored before. Spending time outdoors continues to be vital for my health and wellbeing and the pandemic allowed me to look closer to home for inspiration.
“The lockdowns definitely made me appreciate our own landscapes here in North Ayrshire, we really are lucky and hopefully the work I have on display will also encourage visitors to also explore more of our amazing coastline and locations.”
Entry is FREE to the Museum of the Cumbraes and this exhibition is family friendly and fully wheelchair accessible.
With a café and toilet facilities nearby, the exhibition is open during standard winter opening hours: 9am until 5pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), Tuesday: 9am until 6pm and Saturday/Sunday: 9am until 3pm.
Published: 01 November 2024