Campaigners invite public to Unwrap Art from Scotland’s artists and makers this Christmas

A drive has been launched today to encourage shoppers to discover amazing work by Scotland’s artists and makers when they are searching for Christmas gifts.

The Unwrap Art campaign is run by SCAN (the Scottish Contemporary Art Network) to connect the public with galleries, artists, shops, workshops, and websites where they can find gifts that are truly special and which will be cherished for years and decades to come.

Gift suggestions and details of Christmas markets and sales will be shared using the #UnwrapArt hashtag – with members of the public encouraged to add their own suggestions.

The SCAN website will provide a one-stop-shop for people looking for gift ideas and suggestions of galleries, events to go in search of wonderful contemporary art and craft.

Among those being involved in Unwrap Art will be Artists’ Tuck Shop, which sells unique, artist-made homeware, Iona-based jewellery gallery Aosdàna, and Glasgow-based landscape painter Sarah Kudirka.

Unwrap Art was launched last year and was warmly welcomed as an easy and effective way to link shoppers with hundreds of SCAN members all across the country, from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders.

Moira Jeffrey, Director of Scottish Contemporary Art Network, added:

“We’re so lucky in Scotland to have such brilliant artists, workshops and galleries. This season we are encouraging the public to choose unique and sustainable gifts which will also support our artists and galleries.

“We know times are hard this winter for many people. Giving creative gifts or the chance to take part in creative pursuits can be a way to share beautiful things whilst creating a lasting legacy to support local artists and galleries.”

Sarah Kudirka, Glasgow-based painter, said:

“I love having work in beautifully curated gallery shows, but there is also something special that happens when someone comes to me direct to buy from my studio, or online, and I can send a wee package full of bright happy colour out into the world for them.”

David McDiarmid, founder of Artists’ Tuck Shop, which sells commissioned and curated artist-made products, said:

“Artists' Tuck Shop was set up as a vehicle to support other artists and makers like myself to increase their sales and boost income made from their creative pursuits. As is the norm today, many artists have to support their creative careers by balancing an extra job.”

“As such we fully support SCAN's #UnwrapArt campaign this winter as a means to support and raise awareness about the fantastic range of talented artists and makers across the country who produce gifts that are truly unique, handmade and thoughtful.”

Some of the forthcoming events people can discover through Unwrap Art include art and craft sales hosted by SCAN members such as:

• The Edinburgh Winter Makers Makers Market, curated by Endless Love Creative, comes to the Fruitmarket Gallery on December 4. 
• The following day, December 5, Dundee Contemporary Arts hosts the CRAFTED Christmas Craft and Design Market.
• Wasps Artists and Makers Winter Market will take place at The Briggait, Glasgow on December 11-12.
• A wide range of classes and workshops are available at Edinburgh Printmakers, including a Screenprinting Weekend on December 3-4.

A recent participant at an Edinburgh Printmakers workshop said:

“As a novice printmaker I was given the gift of a three-day Laser Relief Course at Edinburgh Printmakers in Oct 2022. My results being some unique Christmas Cards (that are likely to become collector’s items!) and family photographs converted to woodblock prints. I couldn’t recommend the course highly enough as an introduction to woodblock laser-cutting and printmaking. Edinburgh Printmakers is an inspirational environment with extremely talented, and patient, technicians who can assist in bringing your creations to life.”

SCAN’s website will include an up-to-date list of items for sale, markets, workshops, and events running into the new year. This will be one-stop-shop for members of the public looking to browse gift ideas.

SCAN website