You just need to Look Again 👀
Look Again has been based at Gray’s since 2018 (at this point, we’re basically part of the furniture). Over that time, we’ve been dreaming up, designing, delivering, and collaborating on projects that connect creativity with our community in various ways.
Lately, you might have noticed things are a little quieter on Look Again channels – but that’s only because most of our exhibitions, events, workshops, and behind-the-scenes moments are now living their best life over on Gray’s social media. That’s where you’ll find the full mix, from exciting announcements and event invites to peeks inside the creative process.
We’re still here – just sharing the spotlight together with Gray’s! So, if you want the full Look Again experience (and trust us, there’s a lot coming up), make sure you’re following Gray’s School of Art. Because while we might not be posting on Look Again channels as much, we’re busier than ever – and we can’t wait to show you what’s next. ✨
#LookAgain #GraysSchoolOfArt #PublicEngagement #AberdeenArts #Collaboration
Hard to believe, one year in @bonaccordaberdeen . Where did that go? Shall we celebrate? Why not!
You've all been SO good to us, supporting local is EVERYTHING. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.
Do you know someone who hasn't been to visit us? Someone who appreciates what it means to support a local artist or maker? We would LOVE to meet them.
Tag them here, like this post, share this post, make sure you both follow @editaberdeen and we will put your name into a draw for £150 voucher to be spent here .
£150!!!! What will YOU spend it on?
Draw will be made next Saturday 5th April
❤️
Let’s take a moment to shine a light on the creative force behind FINE’s bold and brilliantly memorable branding — the one and only Allie Amaranth @allieamaranth . Based in the North of Scotland, Allie brings a unique perspective to their design practice, crafting culturally rich, lasting visuals that expand the viewer’s world.
Allie joined us for the first three Creative Continuum events at Love Rara, The Anatomy Rooms, and Second Home — embracing the spirit of the community and shaping FINE’s visual identity with a logo and brand pack that’s as multifaceted as the name itself: Freelance Independents North East
It’s bold, it’s Aberdonian, and it perfectly captures the full emotional spectrum response of “fit like?”
Thank you, Allie!
🎨 Engage Evening Workshops! 🎨
Our sixth series of evening workshops is filling up fast, but there’s still time to secure your spot in one of our workshops. Whether you’re returning to making or just starting out, these sessions offer the perfect opportunity to explore new techniques and build your creative confidence.
💥 Now fully booked:
📸 Photography for the Beginner with Neal Murray
🌀 The Potter’s Wheel (Mon & Weds) with Matthew Wilcock
🎨 Ceramics for the Intermediate with Kevin Andrew Morris
Still available workshops:
🖌 Exploring the Figure: Drawing & Painting with Claire Kidd (Weds)
🧶 Ceramics for the Beginner with Mags Gray (Mon)
🔠 Typography with Eva Crawford McKee (Mon)
🖼 Portraiture: Drawing & Painting with Nicole Porter (Mon)
🎨 Textile Design + Print with Kari Stenhouse (Weds)
📸 Photography for the Intermediate with Neal Murray (Weds)
📅 All workshops run over 9 weeks, from 18:30–21:00, starting soon.
📝 Deadline to register: Monday 12 May 2025
🔗 Link in bio.
#EngageWorkshops #GraysSchoolOfArt #CreativeAberdeen #Ceramics #Drawing #Typography #TextileDesign #Photography #EveningClasses
✨ Day 1 of the Founding FINE ✨
Yesterday @fine.aberdeen kicked off their first ever fully funded residency weekend by bringing together creatives from across the North East for three days of care, creativity and connection.
As the sun set on the Spring Equinox, artists gathered in the surroundings of the Sir Arthur Grant Centre in Monymusk for their first shared meal — a moment of warmth, togetherness and intention, shaped through a beautiful workshop led by artists Carla Smith and Jess Wilson. Through cooking, creating and connecting, participants set the tone for a weekend rooted in care, collaboration and community. 🌅🍲
With freelancers at its core, this residency was carefully shaped by FINE to hold space for artists to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the wider creative community.
The Founding FINE Residency is led and delivered by FINE, supported by @lookagainabdn@cultureabdn@graysschoolofartaberdeen — and made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
#FreelancersTogether #SpringEquinox #TogetherThroughMaking #ArtistsSupportingArtists
🎓 Reimagining Art Education 🎨
✨ Last month, we attended Have Some Imagination: Towards a Manifesto for Arts Education at BALTIC/Northumbria University— conference exploring the value of creative learning and the urgent need to reimagine arts education.
Gray’s was represented in this conversation, with Dr Judith Winter delivering part of Full Circle: Reclaiming the Foundation Course for Uncertain Times. Her contribution challenged the shifting landscape of art education, questioning how foundational learning can reclaim its radical potential in an era of assessment-driven curricula.
As we celebrate 140 Years of Gray’s, these conversations resonate deeply—inviting us to reflect on the evolving role of art schools, the spaces we create for learning, and how we advocate for creative education in a changing world.
If you have reflections, stories, or perspectives about Gray’s—whether you’re an alum, a member of the public, or a past collaborator—we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected] and be part of the conversation.
#Grays140 #ArtEducation #CreativePedagogy
🎓Save the Date – Gray’s Degree Show 2025!✨
If the Pre-Degree Shows were a glimpse of what’s to come, then Gray’s Degree Show 2025 promises the full spectacle—an exhibition where ambition meets execution, and creative risk transforms into unforgettable work.
📅 6–15 June 2025
📍 Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen
Graduating students from across Fine Art and Design are preparing to unveil their most ambitious work yet—a culmination of years spent refining their craft, pushing boundaries, and questioning the world around them. Expect installations, radical design solutions, and fine art that lingers in the mind long after you leave.
The Pre-Degree Shows hinted at the talent within the walls of Gray’s—now, Degree Show 2025 is ready to prove it. Save the date. Be there.
#GraysDegreeShow #SaveTheDate #CreativeFuture #GraysSchoolOfArt
🌟 Celebrating Women in Art ✨
On #InternationalWomensDay we are thrilled to announce the incredible women artists working on a special commissions as part of Gray’s School of Art’s 140th anniversary celebrations!
Amy Benzie, Claire Roberts, Lyndsey Gilmour, and Marie-Chantal Hamrock—each alumni of Gray’s School of Art—will create new works inspired by pioneering women artist-educators Barbara Balmer, Joyce Cairns, Frances Walker, and Sylvia Wishart.
Their work will be showcased at Aberdeen Art Gallery later in the year as part of a special exhibition, continuing the legacy of the women who shaped Gray’s into the thriving creative space it is today.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable artists and the impact of women in the creative industries!
ℹ️ Performing the Archive: #Correspondences – Women’s Voices is supported by Aberdeen City Council - Creative Funding and RGU Art & Heritage Collections.
📰 Find out more form @graysschoolofartaberdeen link in bio.
#IWD2025 #WomensVoices #Grays140 #PerformingTheArchive #WomenInArt
OPEN CALL: Fine Nights 💙
Over the course of a year, FINE will be supporting 12 artists to work on their practice through a day’s pay and sharing event. FINE Nights will run monthly from April 2025-April 2026 and will be a relaxed gathering for people to meet, celebrate, and for connections within the local creative community to be created and strengthened. At each FINE Night an artist will share their work, in whatever form it may take.
All eligible proposals will be entered in a lottery draw and 12 artists will be selected. We welcome proposals from creative practitioners of all disciplines and encourage works in progress. Artists will receive £350 to support their work.
To apply email [email protected] by midnight on Friday 7th March with 200 words or 1-2 minutes voice note explaining your idea for FINE Nights.
Please read the full open call document linked in our bio for more information and eligibility criteria. Mailing list also linked in bio.
👋 Are you a creative freelancer in North East Scotland? 👀
FINE is a new network for independent artists, creatives, and freelancers in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire. FINE wants to hear from you! Help shape its future by filling out the survey (link in bio)!
Your input will guide how they connect, collaborate, and support the creative community. Plus, you could win £100 in @editaberdeen gift voucher!
Take the survey now—it only takes a few minutes! 🎯
@graysschoolofartaberdeen@fine.aberdeen@cultureabdn
