An exhibition of stained glass by artist Fiona Foley which encapsulates her love of the Isles is taking place at the Bonhoga Gallery in Shetland during November.

Based in Glasgow, Fiona first visited Shetland for a residency in Whalsay in 1998, and since then has made many trips including another residency in Unst in 2001.

‘A Side Long Look’ is a mixture of textural and abstracted glass panels developed from her experience of journeying through the Shetland landscape. Fiona is always amazed at the way familiar and unassuming detail such as road side peat banks can drastically alter with weather and light conditions. She also loves the way on stormy days, streams, rather than falling over the edge of the banks are blown into the sky.

The exhibition is a joint show with her husband illustrator Andy Foley. They visited Shetland in July to run art workshops and since then have been working in their studio to commit all their ideas to paper, canvas and glass hoping their work will illustrate their affection for the place and its people.

Stained glass has been a career and passion for Fiona for over ten years since graduating from Glasgow School of Art. In that time she has worked on public art, ecclesiastical and private commissions through Britain.

An important aspect of her work has been the sharing of skills. She has produced a glass installation for Symbister JH school and during a community based project in Unst in 2001 worked collaboratively with young people to design and manufacture two stained glass windows for the care centre. Based around the wildlife in Unst the panels reflected the children’s ideas to brighten the lives of the centre staff and residents.

‘A Side Long Look’ is on from Saturday 1 November to Sunday 23 November at the Bonhoga Gallery, within the Weisdale Mill, Weisdale, Shetland. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm and Sunday 12 noon to 4.30pm.

To see our other current news story on Shetland crafts - Click here.
To see information on the Shetland Arts Trust, also based at Weisdale Mill -Click here.