New HAC exhibition unveiled

Welcome the vibrancy of Spring at the new HAC exhibition... A new exhibition supported by North Ayrshire Council’s Arts and Culture team has been unveiled at the Harbour Arts Centre (HAC). The doors opened at the weekend and the ‘Colours’ exhibition will run until Friday 8 May 2026.

Created by Stevenston-based artist Pat Kramek, this is the second time that she has showcased her work at the Harbour Arts Centre’s main galleries in a solo show. Featuring fabulous textiles and tapestries, coastal and holiday-inspired paintings, this varied exhibition has something for everyone and the works on display are available for purchase.

Talented artist Pat shares: “I am delighted to be back at the HAC once again. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase my latest creations in a venue that I have always loved. I’ve been coming to the Harbour Arts Centre for many years now and I always feel uplifted and revived after spending time here. I hope that the explosion of colour in my latest exhibition will help others to do the same and provide a spark of inspiration to younger generations who dream of becoming an artist one day too."

Inspired by train rides and days out to Glasgow and Largs and summers spent in Spain, Italy and France, Pat takes inspiration from the photos she takes on her travels. Ayrshire’s stunning coastline is also a prominent inspiration, making the Harbour Arts Centre at Irvine Harbourside the perfect location to showcase her creations.

Pat’s approach to painting gives her work an organic feel and she uses the textures naturally found in landscapes to create mood and depth in her work. She explains: “Although I like to travel, there is something quite incredible about the Scottish landscape and seascape. It is somewhere, where all seasons can happen in a day, or within a few hours, or even a few minutes. The skies, the seas, the landscape… it is amazing!”

Landscapes, seascapes and florals feature in her latest works and eye-catching framed and hanging tapestries give a nod to Pat’s early beginnings as a textile designer. With a distinctive and bold aesthetic, Pat describes her work as being impressionistic and very spontaneous.

The artist adds: “Although I sketch, the actual painting is not drawn out in detail. I like to get involved in the paint. If something accidental happens and it looks good, I use it. I think that is what gives my work it’s free look.”

When asked about her hopes for the latest exhibition, Pat shares: “I want people to get as much enjoyment out of looking at my work as I do creating it. In my painting you are bombarded with lots of blobs and shapes when you look up close, but when you move further away, that is when you begin to see the detail. There are always curiosities to be discovered, even if you missed them the first time.’’

Rhonda Leith, Head of Service for Connected Communities shares: “The Harbour Arts Centre is proud to welcome Pat Kramek and her incredible works to our flagship arts and culture venue for her latest exhibition. Colours really does have something for everyone to enjoy, and the exhibition celebrates how Pat has developed her unique aesthetic and art practice over the years.

“With a unique breadth of works on display, the exhibition provides a place to make memories, share stories and enjoy time together in calming and welcoming surroundings. So why not drop in this week or during the Easter break to show your support to this talented local artist?”

The Harbour Arts Centre is accessible and family-friendly with parking nearby and adjacent toilets and café. The exhibition is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 9.30am until 4.30pm until Friday 8 May 2026.

Please note: During the Easter weekend, the gallery will be closed on Friday 3 April however a selection of artwork will be displayed in the front gallery.

More info on upcoming events can be found on the Harbour Arts Centre website.

Published: 01 April 2026