The Big Willow Event in 2006 will be an inspirational willow experience involving the creation of a gigantic willow sculpture on the Brahan Estate near Dingwall and leading to a related touring exhibition of new work by the Scottish Basketmakers Circle.

Artists, makers and visitors from all over Britain will be able to develop their work in a stunning and stimulating landscape alongside internationally renowned artist, Patrick Dougherty of North Carolina, U.S.A, who will be artist in residence.  A series of related events are proposed to run alongside Patrick’s residency including other shorter residencies.

The idea is to involve as many people as possible in making the sculpture – school children, willow workers, sculpture students and the general public – so they learn more about the natural environment and woodlands and the use of natural materials.  The willow will be ready for use in May 2006 and construction will take around three weeks. The Ross-shire photographer, Fin Macrae will document and photograph the sculpture during all stages of construction.

A portfolio of these photographs will be included in a related touring exhibition, Pushing the Boundaries, which will be curated by the Highland Council Exhibitions Unit, and will show new and innovative work from Scottish Basketmakers Circle members. The opening for the exhibition is scheduled to take place in Inverness on the 26 May 2006 as part of a weekend of celebration for the opening of Patrick’s sculpture on the 27 May 2006.

The sculpture will then stand until a deconstruction event in 2007 as part of the Scottish Executive-designated Year that Scotland celebrates Highland Culture.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the building of the sculpture, want to find out more about residency opportunities or would like a brief for the exhibition contact Pamela Conacher, Project Manager, Pairce Oidche, Roshven, Lochailort, Inverness shire. PH38 4NB email: Pamela.Conacher@care4free.net    The deadline for applications is 31 January 2006.

The Scottish Basketmakers Circle was awarded funding from The Scottish Arts Council (National Lottery, Access and Participation) for the Big Willow Event 2006 and funding was also awarded by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise with further support from the Highland Council, Brahan Estate and the Scottish Basketmakers Circle.