What’s on at the Colony of Artists 2019

The printed programme is the biggest ever in the history of the art weekend, as it has increased by 8 pages – and it is out now. Pick your copy up (there are 10,000 of them out there!)from many local venues around Abbeyhill. And you can also read it below.

On the weekend of 21 and 22 September 2019 you can see the work of 66 artists, attend 25 events in 40 venues, which includes the local primary school and artists’ own homes and there is also 1 amazing stage where you can sit and listen to some music over the weekend. .

Kat Chisholm is on the organising committee and she thinks that there are lots of new artists moving in to the area because of the Colony of Artists. It began in 2005 when the first exhibition featured 9 artists living in the colonies. Now it has extended a little to the Artisan Bar and onto Montrose Terrace where the local businesses, including the newest café Think Pastry, have been told to expect over 2,000 people during the weekend.

There are lots of young up and coming artists, as well as some of the old faithfuls.

This is a not for profit organisation which relies on income from registration fees paid by artists (they pay £65 to take part) and the proceeds of the raffle with prizes donated by local companies also helps to cover the costs. Then there is the public who visit and perhaps spend some money

Kat explained that the registration fees have been kept low deliberately to make the weekend accessible to all. She said :”Not everyone is a full time professional artist, and we don’t really want to go down the route of taking commission from sales.”

Of particular note this year are Garvald Artistswho are exhibiting at Venue 33 Venture Photography just a little distance away from the colonies. Garvald Artists studio is a supported studio for artists with a learning disability to explore and develop their creativity. The centre offers a classic arts programme, and this exhibitor is new this year. The director of the Garvald programme used to live in the Colonies, and it is that personal connection which makes it such a nice community to visit.

Architect Kelly Ordemann loves crafting. She designs and creates her own knitwear and writes knitting patterns. She also upcycles plastic bags into wallets and coin purses. Find out more on her website.

Bright.On Socks is showing at Venue 22 Number 31 Waverley Place. This is a social enterprise sustaining itself while supporting positive mental health through targeted donations from the sale of their bright and mindful socks.

New this year there are going to be two murals -one is being completed this weekend just off London Road on the gable of Cherry’s Café. Kat’s husband artist Bill Mazur designed it and Tom Ewing is in charge of the painting. He did the murals in Leith and at Prestonpans, so is well used to the scale of the undertaking.

The other will be at Rossie Place and the artists are beginning this one over this weekend. The design will depict the history of the area. Residents have been invited to come and help this weekend.