Kirkwall’s exciting new gallery, The Ship of Fools on Bridge Street will launch its Christmas Show with an opening on Friday 1 December from 5-7pm.

Owner, Maiwenn Beadle has curated a collection of work from local artists alongside complementary pieces from further afield. As befits her background as a ship’s captain, the sea features strongly and there is a wide range of work to appeal to all tastes and budgets.

Describing the new show, Maiwenn explains:

“Many of the artists taking part were involved in our successful summer show, though the works here will be new. Those who have visited that exhibition will be familiar with Lesley Mackay’s evocative seascapes.

We are also pleased to welcome back Shetland artists Ruth Brownlee and Peter Davis who also evoke the dramatic light and seas of the northern isles in very different ways. Ruth’s pictures have recently feature in the ‘Shetland’ TV series.

There will be new work by Marion Yorston, following on from her recent successful show in Stromness, and Phil Mumby’s astonishingly detailed bird pictures will feature again, but we are also pleased to welcome Stephen Redpath’s ethereal watercolours.

There will also be fabulous prints by Megumi Barrington and textile works by Clare Gee. Yvonne Harcus will show some pictures for the first time and some of my own work will also be included.

Shaun Hall’s wonderful raku pots proved very popular in the summer show as did Michael Sinclair’s turned wooden bowls. However, alongside new work from them, we will feature pottery from Dounby-based Stuart Broadhurst and beautiful new pots by Belinda Glennon.

Donna Eunson’s glass will also make a return and will be joined by delicate sculptural glass and textiles from Chimene Taylor from Shapinsay.

All the work is for sale and ready to be taken away as a Christmas present and the show runs until 23 December, but you will be wise to come early for the best choice”.