The Big Willow gets underway in the Highlands as a new willow sculpture by internationally renowned American artist Patrick Dougherty is completed, and an exhibition opens of innovative new work by the Scottish Basketmakers Circle.

Over the past month Patrick has been building this stunning sculpture on the Brahan Estate near Dingwall.  The sculpture, a direct response to the environment and landscape, has been created using willow cut from the estate with help by members of the Scottish Basketmakers Circle. 

During this time Caroline Dear and Tim Johnston each completed a two week residency creating new work and working with groups of children from local schools.  Caroline’s ‘studio’ in the woods, near the sculpture, is a circular collection of works inspired by the location.  In contrast, Tim made a costume from rushes developed using traditional skills and based on ancient traditions, which he wore for the opening ceremony.

The sculpture will now be ‘in residence’ until May next year when it will be ‘deconstructed’ as part of an event to celebrate the project and the 2007 Year of Highland Culture.  Read our exclusive craftscotland interview with sculptor Patrick Dougherty.

The touring exhibition, Pushing the Boundaries, opened in Inverness at the end of May and includes work by Juliet Arnott, Lise Bech, Mary Butcher, Caroline Dear, Lizzie Farey, Tim Johnson, Vivian Keenan, Anna King, Trevor Leat, Jaimie MacDonald, Valerie Pragnell, Eva Seidenfaden, Caroline Sharp, Maggie Smith, Linda Soos, Julie Starks, Pip Weaser, Jane Wilkinson and Lucy Woodlea.   Find out more about the work in the exhibition in our craftscotland review.

Pushing the Boundaries is on at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3EB tel: 01463 237114 from the 27 May to 17 June 2006.  Opening hours Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

The exhibition then visits Iona Gallery in Kingussie from 24 June to 15 July, Swanson Gallery in Thurso from 12 August to 9 September and St Fergus Gallery in Wick from 16 September to 14 October 2006. 

Find directions for visiting the Big Willow sculpture under events.

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