ARDGOUR, ART & ALE
Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th June
10 AM - 5 PM
INSPIRE
CAPTURE
CREATE
Join us for our open exhibition, free taster sessions and booked workshops. A weekend of creative experiences with local artists, exploring the wildlife and landscape through words and art in the beautiful place of Ardgour. Everyone can enjoy our informal exhibition and have a go at the different types of art we create. For a more in-depth experience and to learn more about the art, we are also offering booked workshops.
Adress: Ardgour Ales, The Manse Ardgour, Fort William PH33 7AH
Come and have a go at photography, painting, nature journalling and tapestry weaving with local artists Benjamin Barendrecht, Lilli Rochford-Smith, Steve Evison and Irene Evison
Drop in to see the exhibition or for a free taster session, you can also book on to one of the workshops (£35). Bookings will open on Eventbrite in February.
You don’t need to be an artist, it’s a chance to try things out with guidance from friendly and supportive people who love the art that they do. No experience necessary, all materials provided (other than your camera or phone camera).
Take time out from everyday life, enjoy the natural beauty around Ardgour, feel how a bit of creativity can help you to switch off, relax and appreciate the world around you.
We’ll introduce you to some basic techniques that enable you to tell a visual story of what you’re seeing, experiencing, feeling and hearing. Choose the way you do this – photography, painting, nature journalling or weaving. Try just one or try them all, it’s up to you!
We’ll be outdoors, soaking up the atmosphere of the environment around us, so come prepared for any weather. We’ll have shelters, so unless it’s blowing a hoolie from the north, we’ll be able to carry on regardless.
With our base at Ardgour Ales, you’ll be able to refresh your creative energies with tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day, and of course their own craft ales available: 10:00 am 22:00 pm
Workshops
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Photography: Visual Story Telling with Benjamin Barendrecht
Exploring the landscape through the lens reveals a world of incredible details waiting to be captured. Each frame showcases the beauty and complexity of nature, from the rugged mountain peaks to the delicate wildflowers. The light and shadow highlights textures and colours that often go unnoticed by the naked eye. Through the lens the landscape comes alive, offering a fresh perspective on familiar scenes and drawing attention to the intricate tapestry of the natural world. Every click of the camera unveils a new layer of beauty, inviting deeper connection and appreciation of the wonders that surround us.
No experience necessary.
Please bring your own camera or mobile phone camera.
£35.00 per person.
Saturday: 07-06-2025 / 18:00 – 20:30
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Tapestry: Weaving the view with Irene Evison
We’ll take our inspiration from the colours, shapes and textures of the lochside landscape, using a simple frame and selection of yarns. Think of it as a combination between relaxation, mindful creativity and appreciation of the outdoors. Create your own tapestry weaving doodle based on the natural world around us, a tiny sampler to take away.
No experience necessary.
All materials and equipment provided.
£35.00 per person.
Saturday: 07-06-2025 / 14:30 – 16:30
Sunday: 08-06-2025 / 10:30 - 12:30
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Nature Journalling: Capturing Nature Observations with Steve Evison
Walking through the woods, looking out over the lochans, Steve will take you into the hidden depths of the natural world and help find ways that you can use to capture what you observe. Drawing, painting, words will all be our tools to capture our time out in Ardgour. This is not aimed at people who are artists; it’s for anyone who would like to get inside the hidden depths of nature. Through journalling, many of us find we can better understand the relationships between species, how animals walk, how plants grow, responses to light and shade, uncovering the intimate details of the natural world.
No experience necessary. All materials and equipment provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own if you want.
Saturday 07-06-2025 / 14:30 - 16:30pm
Sunday, 08-06-2025 / 10:30 - 12:30pm
£35.00 per person.
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Painting: Drawing the Landscape with Lilli Rochford-Smith
Drawing the landscape is a process that involves more than just replicating what the eyes see. It is about capturing the essence and emotion within the scene, translating the mood and atmosphere onto paper. Each stroke of the pencil or brush carries with it the weight of the moment, the lightness of the breeze, and the depth of the terrain. By paying attention to the details and feeling of the landscape, you can capture what you feel towards the landscape, you can create emotions and transport the viewer to the heart of nature's beauty.
No experience necessary.
All materials and equipment provided.
£35.00 per person.
Saturday: 07-06-2025 / 10:30 – 12:30
Sunday: 08-06-2025 / 14:30 - 16:30
USEFUL TO KNOW…
We'll be based at Ardgour Ales, in Ardgour. We’ll be outdoors, soaking up the atmosphere of the environment around us, so come prepared for any weather. We’ll have shelters, so unless it’s blowing a hoolie from the north, we’ll be able to carry on regardless.
With our base at Ardgour Ales, you’ll be able to refresh your creative energies with tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day, and of course their own craft ales will be available from to enjoy. Ideal if you have a partner, friends or family who are less interested in the art! Check out what's available at https://www.ardgourales.scot/
The Brewery is a short walk from the Corran Ferry, which is free for foot passengers. On a Saturday, the first ferry runs from Corran is at 6.30am and the last ferry leaves Ardgour at 9.20pm, and on Sunday it's a later start at 8.30am from Ardgour/8.45am from Corran, and a 9.20pm last ferry.