Poems from Perth Art Gallery - Presenting Scotland's New Voices at Perth Festival of the Arts. Curated by Perthshire poet and 2024 Scots Writer of the Year, Jim Mackintosh, this unique event and first of its kind at Perth Festival of the Arts, presents new writings by five exciting rising stars in poetry in Scotland. Be inspired by this immersive, multi-arts experience that connects music, written word and visual art in the striking surroundings of Perth Art Gallery, one of the UK's oldest collections. Featuring new poetry by poets Morag Anderson, Robbie MacLeòid, Mae Diansangu, Karen Macfarlane and Nazaret Ranea. Join us for a promenade around the Gallery, exploring new poems inspired by the surroundings and presented by the writers, with live music performed by Scotland's top musicians Ali Hutton, Patsy Reid, Owen Sinclair and Laura-Beth Salter, who respond to the poetry through music in real time. Scotland Trending Words is funded by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

We hold it, look through it, clean it, clink it, and break it; but how much do you really know about GLASS? Perth Art Gallery invites you to explore GLASS, an exhibition celebrating the material and makers that made Perthshire famous, from Monart to Caithness to Perthshire Paperweights. GLASS will take visitors on a journey across time and space through thousands of years of glassmaking, from ancient Syria to the workshops of nineteenth-century Venice, to the masters of glass production across Perth and Kinross. Discover this versatile material’s history, creativity, and beauty, which has helped put Perth on the map as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. This is glass as you’ve never seen it before.

Discover the joy of glass painting in a relaxed afternoon session for adults. Inspired by our GLASS exhibition, attendees will have access to the exhibition before enjoying a two-hour guided glass painting workshop where everyone can choose a glass item to paint. Items available to choose from include a wine glass, jam jar, or two glass coasters. All materials are provided, and you’ll be able to take away your own piece of glass art at the end of the session.

Looking for a fun, hands-on creative experience? Join us for a Fused Glass Workshop and design your own coaster or mini masterpiece with expert glass artist Catherine Lowe! In just 90 minutes, you’ll learn the basics of glass cutting, get a fascinating intro to the glass fusing process, and explore different types of glass as you craft something unique. No experience is needed – just bring your imagination! All tools and materials are provided, and your finished piece will be kiln-fired and ready for collection from the gallery the following week. Please note: Wear closed shoes and bring reading glasses if required. This event is suitable for ages 14+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult who stays on site. Spaces are limited; book early to avoid missing out!

Renowned glass artist Carrie Fertig, known for her intricate creations inspired by the rich symbolism of sheep and lambs explores themes of innocence, sacrifice, and collective identity through her stunning glass work. Carrie’s work has received widespread recognition, with several pieces housed in prestigious collections, including the Roslin Institute, where her life-size glass sheep, aptly named “Dolly” after the famous cloned sheep, is on display. GLASS at Perth Art Gallery includes a custom-made adult sheep representing the local blackfaced Perthshire breed. During this engaging talk, Carrie will delve into her unique techniques, including the complex process of crafting each one-of-a-kind piece from borosilicate glass, and share insights into her artistic inspirations and experiences. Carrie’s artistic journey has taken her to North Lands Creative, where she has not only created the first life-size glass lamb but has also led masterclasses in flameworking. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Carrie Fertig’s captivating work and the intricate artistry involved in bringing glass sheep to life.

Unleash your creativity and craft your own unique glass mosaic masterpiece under the expert guidance of renowned local artist Katy Galbraith. As part of the GLASS exhibition at Perth Art Gallery, this hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of mosaic-making using recycled materials. Katy Galbraith, a professional mosaic artist based in Perthshire, is known for her vibrant, eco-friendly designs crafted from recycled materials. In this workshop, you’ll discover the beauty of sustainable art by incorporating recycled glass materials into your mosaic. This workshop is perfect for craft enthusiasts eager to explore new mediums and techniques; no prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm. You’ll leave with a beautiful glass mosaic and a newfound appreciation for this timeless art form. Don’t miss this chance to create, learn, and be inspired within the setting of the GLASS exhibition.

We’re delighted to welcome renowned glass designer Helen MacDonald to Perth Art Gallery for an exclusive evening. In this special talk, Helen, whose work with Caithness Glass has shaped the landscape of contemporary glass art, will share her creative journey, the inspiration behind her distinctive designs, and the artistry involved in glassmaking. With over 50 years of experience, Helen has been at the forefront of innovation in decorative glass. From her celebrated limited-edition paperweights to bold and expressive art glass, her work continues to push the boundaries of design. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a master of the craft, gain behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Caithness Glass, and discover the lasting impact of Perthshire’s glassmaking heritage.

Step beyond the display cases and uncover the fascinating world of glassmaking with a curator-led tour of GLASS. This exclusive experience offers a deeper look at Perth & Kinross’s remarkable glass collections and the rich history behind Perthshire’s role in decorative glass design and production. Our expert curators will bring our exhibition to life, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into the craftsmanship of renowned local manufacturers such as Monart, Vasart, and Caithness, as well as the skilled artisans behind these exquisite creations. Discover the evolution of glass as both an art form and a practical craft, from ancient Syria to 19th-century Venice and beyond. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the beauty and science of glass, this tour will offer a rare opportunity to engage with the exhibition in an intimate and insightful way. October Exclusive Insights & Expert Perspectives – Curator-Led Tours of GLASS include an exhibition ticket for GLASS and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Get into the Halloween spirit with a creative twist at Perth Art Gallery! At this drop-in event, you can design your own stained-glass decorations in a hands-on crafting session with Sara Barr from Kids Art Class. Designed especially for children and families, inspired by our GLASS exhibition, this playful and creative session will introduce young artists to the magic of stained glass.

Don’t miss this interactive workshop about animal adaptation. The day will begin at the Perth Art Gallery with a presentation highlighting various ways animals adjust to their environments, then head down to the Collection stores for a closer in-person look at the wide array of animals we have in the natural history collections. Afterwards, you will have the chance to create your own unique creatures, applying what you’ve just learned about adaptation. After breaking for lunch, everyone will head to the AK Bell Library for a creative writing workshop led by Author Leonie Charlton. Participants will write stories about their imagined animals, enhancing their understanding of what makes each creature special! Parents and carers are required to attend and participate actively in the day’s activities. This hands-on workshop promises to be an educational and enjoyable experience for the entire family.