Hop on the Arts Trail this Easter - Tobermory Open Studios 2024
Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, is famous for its colourful seaside cottages and picturesque waterfront, as well as being home to a wonderful array of small independent shops, cafés and restaurants. This Easter the island capital is showcasing its arts scene, with thirteen local artists joining together across six venues to invite visitors to feel inspired by the place, its people and the artwork they are creating.
The island is accessible by three ferry routes, the main one being Oban to Craignure. If you're arriving at Craignure with a car, take a right as you disembark the boat, heading in the direction of Tobermory (approx. 45 minutes' drive away). As you leave the ferry, you will notice the distinctive 3-metre banner for Tobermory Open Studios, giving you a taste of what's in store once you arrive in Tobermory. If you're coming on foot, you'll need to check out the bus timetable in advance. You can also cross over to Mull from Lochaline to Fishnish or, further north, from Kilchoan directly to Tobermory (although please be aware that currently the latter is carrying foot passengers only). Whichever way you arrive by CalMac ferry, a trip to Mull offers a lovely day out.
The Gallery, Loft Studio, 37 Main Street: Friday - Monday 10 - 4pm
The artists have provided a handy keepsake map showing the location and opening times of each venue. Starting from the bus stop in Ledaig car park, stroll along the Main Street and you'll see a beautiful church-like building in Gothic Revival style. Once home to the local Free Church, it is now the Gallery Café, which serves delicious food downstairs. The art gallery is upstairs, and there you'll be wowed by a beautiful stained-glass window. This stunning space is the Gallery Loft Studio,where artist Nina Tans creates mesmerising watercolour botanical art. It's very relaxing watching her paint, making her subjects come to life.
(Nina Tans)
The Picture Gallery, 4 Main Street: Friday - Monday 10 - 5pm
Continue along the Main Street towards the red, yellow and blue houses made famous by the children's TV series Balamory. At the end of the street, you will arrive at The Picture Gallery, exhibiting island landscape paintings, prints and resin art by Aska Marzec of Scottish Island Art and Ronnie Leckie. Aska came from Poland 17 years ago and immediately felt in awe of Mull and the Scottish landscape. Ronnie has been painting on the island since 1975. The couple's images serve as a reminder to visitors of many happy holidays spent on the island.
(Aska Marzec)
The Western Isles Hotel, Memorial Road: Friday - Monday 11- 4pm, Sunday 1.30 - 5pm
On leaving The Picture Gallery, turn left and make your way along the Main Street to the start of the Lighthouse Path, just past the RNLI station on the left. You can either climb the steps on the left at the start of the path or walk along the path for a minute or two and then take the gentler steps which rise up on your left just before the gate. At the top, turn left again and shortly you will arrive at the next venue,
(Donna-Margaret Hutchinson)
The Western Isles Hotel. This is a lovely, welcoming space with beautifully decorated rooms featuring local art, making it an ideal venue to exhibit paintings by Faith Holmes and Donna-Margaret Hutchinson. Both artists' work is inspired by island life and its everyday scenes - including "working Mull". Be sure not to miss a "Knot For Nothing"rope therapy presentation by Ian McMillan.
(Faith Holmes)
Glenelg, 8 Creagan Park: Friday - Monday 10 - 4pm
From the hotel, walk up the hill and continue on Western Road then turn left on to Erray Road and you'll arrive shortly at the next venue,Glenelg. This venue is a beautiful garden, bounded by a stone wall, and has been carefully cultivated by Lady Karina Alexander, who is opening her garden to exhibit paintings al fresco on natural materials such as slate, rocks and driftwood. Originally from California, Karina started drawing and painting again after coming to Mull in 2019.
(The Honeypot Ceramics)
An Tobar, Argyll Terrace: Friday - Monday 11- 4pm
To reach the sixth and final venue, turn right as you leave the garden and continue down Erray Road until you see a T-junction ahead (not long after you pass the High School on your left). On your right, you'll see a banner for An Tobar, the arts centre, which is the exhibition venue for six local artists: Morar Honeyman of The Honeypot, Kathy McAdam Island Pottery, Claire ArnoldofMy Crafty Little Thing, Sarah's Weaving Shed, Calum Hall Studio,and Sarah Darling Photography. Check out the times for the weaving and ceramics workshops (see map leaflet or www.mytobermory.com ). The local people and the open-minded way of life on the Isle of Mull, as well as the light and colour of the serene island landscape, all provide inspiration for the vast array of artwork. Take time at An Tobar to enjoy refreshments while sitting outside and appreciating the breath-taking view of the harbour.
(Island Pottery Clock)
(The Craft Little Thing)
Tobermory Producers Market, Main Street or Pontoons Monday 11 - 2pm
A shortcut down the Post Office Brae leads back to the Main Street. If you are coming to Tobermory on Easter Monday, a visit to Tobermory Producers' Market is a must. On wet and/windy days, it's held in Aros Hall just past The Gallery Café, while on dry and calmer days, it takes place at the Pontoons not far from the bus stop in Ledaig car park. As well as buying delicious homemade produce to take home, you can view and purchase beautifully handcrafted artwork.
Our talented local artists are looking forward to seeing you in Tobermory this Easter for the very first Tobermory Open Studios event.