04-01-2008: City of the Immortals

Art Gallery 23 February – 22 March

City of the Immortals is a photographic exhibition by Birmingham based artist Michelle Lord. Michelle’s work originates from stories and ideas with strong connections to architectural space and is a result of a continuing fascination with the notion of un-built or fictional environments. The images are a complex hybrid of photography, sculpture, literature, architecture and narrative, and involve the designing and building of theatrical sixth scale sets and hand-crafted models, intricately fabricated from card and wood.

Image Caption:
Michelle Lord Work in Progress

05-01-2008: Photographs by Ewen Weatherspoon

Small Gallery 23 February – 22 March

08-01-2008: Seeing Dragons in the Clouds

Art Gallery 10 May – 7 June

A new Harley Gallery touring exhibition which explores the artistic imagination. Featuring the work of nine very different artists: Nora Fok, Chila Kumari Burman, Robert Callender, Heidi Daish, Helen Denerley, Lizzie Farey, Peter and Linda Green, Leo Hills and Frank Hills. The artists, inspired by found objects, transform them into something different. Finished work is exhibited alongside sketches and workings to demonstrate the process the artists have gone through to arrive at the final piece.

A Harley Gallery/Brochocka Baynes exhibition

10-01-2008: Ana Maria Pacheco

Art Gallery 14 June – 12 July
Born in Brazil in 1943, Ana Maria Pacheco is an artist of extraordinary diversity. Her work ranges from painting and sculpture to printmaking, and draws on a wide variety of cultural references that include Brazilian folklore, classical myth, mystical Catholicism and medieval satire, using her source material to create works that play with the art of storytelling. This exhibition focuses on Pacheco’s work as a printmaker, bringing together five sets of prints, produced between 1989
and 1998.

Image caption: Ana Maria Pacheco /Terra Ignota 3/, 1994

15-01-2008: Lunchtime Talk: Contemporary Art inspired by the culture and landscape of Scotland and the Highlands

Thursday 13th March, 2008, 12.30 - 1.30 pm.
In an illustrated talk, Denise Collins, Director of Castle Gallery in Inverness, discusses how local artists today are reflecting our Scottish and Highland landscape and culture in their work.  A talk promoted by WEA Scotland.  Admission £1.00.  All welcome - no need to per-book.  For further details, please telephone Inverness WEA on 01463 710577. or email inverness@weascotland.org.uk.

20-03-2008: Landscape

Small Gallery, 29 March - 3 May
Selected larger pieces from the art collection awarded to The Highland Council as part of the Scottish Arts Council Bequest, together with works from the Highland Council Collections.

20-03-2008: Scotland's Heritage on the Edge: Capturing the Coastline

Art Gallery, 29 March - 3 May 2008

Award-winning images from a photographic competition, designed with the aim of preserving Scotland's striking and varied coastal scenery, which is at threat from erosion.

20-03-2008: Two Voices, One Message:

Friday 11 April 2008
A seminar for workers in museums, galleries and other cultural and natural heritage organisations with an interest in Gaelic and bilingual interpretation and the new legislation.  The seminar is run by the Visitor Studies group, and there is a small charge for registration.  To apply, please contact Jenni Fuchs, Visitor Studies Officer, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF or via email, jenni@visitors.org.uk 

29-04-2008: Lunchtime Talk - Our developing Highland Archive Service

Thursday 22 May, 2008, 12.30 - 1.30 pm.
A chance to hear about the new Highland Archives and Registration Centre which will be completed by autumn 2009.  Morag Maclean, the Education and Outreach Coordinator of Highland Council Archives Service will outline her new role of encouraging communities to become involved with this education and outreach service.  A talk promoted by WEA Scotland. Admission £1.00. All welcome - no need to per-book. For further details, please telephone Inverness WEA on 01463 710577. or email inverness@weascotland.org.uk.

29-04-2008: Lunchtime Talk - Tain Silver

Thursday 5 June 2008, 12.30 - 1.30 pm.
Estelle Quick, former curator at Tain Through Time Museum will have a look at why silver was made in this Easter Ross community, who the silversmiths were, and examples of some of their work, as well as the importance of Tain Museum's collection.  A talk promoted by WEA Scotland. Admission £1.00. All welcome - no need to per-book. For further details, please telephone Inverness WEA on 01463 710577. or email inverness@weascotland.org.uk.

29-04-2008: Lunchtime Talk - Learning about Poland

Thursday 12 June 2008, 12.30 - 1.30 pm.
Bozena Rakowska offers an insight into daily life in Poland over the last 30 years.  How have the many Polish people now living in the Highlands settled into life here?  Come along and hear a first hand report.  A talk promoted by WEA Scotland. Admission £1.00. All welcome - no need to per-book. For further details, please telephone Inverness WEA on 01463 710577. or email inverness@weascotland.org.uk.

10-06-2008: The Man Who Drew Cats

Art Gallery, 19 July - 16 August

Louis Wain studied at West London School of Art and began his career as an art journalist. However it was for his pictures of cats that he became famous. From the 1880s until the outbreak of the First World War the ‘Louis Wain cat’ was hugely popular. Appearing in books, magazines and postcards, Wain’s cats are to be found engaging in many forms of human activity from playing cricket, digging up roads and riding bicycles to parading the latest fashions at Ascot.  The works in this exhibition are from the Bethlem Art and History Collections Trust.  We would like to extend our thanks to Mr Kevin Stuart for the kind loan of Louis Wain's printed works.

In Response to Louis Wain 
On 22 July, from 6 - 7 pm, Jim Neville, artist and psychiatric nurse will hold an informal conversation in response to Louis Wain's work.  Admission is free but please call Katey on 01463 237114 to book your place.

10-06-2008: Original Print

Art Gallery and Small Gallery 23 August - 20 September
An exhibition of prints and print techniques created by the Highland Print Studio

Drawing workshop with Dean Melville Saturday 6 September 10am – 4pm
£ 30 per person

This workshop is designed to offer students a variety of ways of understanding and doing drawing.  We will use imagery that is directly around us as a starting point, as this exhibition lends itself really well to the study of the drawn line.  We will  explore the use of marking techniques and look at how this relates to each individual's approach to their subject.  All aspects of picture making will be covered - composition, proportion, scale, tone, perspective, etc. This class will be beneficial to both the complete beginner and the more experienced artist.  It will book up fast so phone  01463 237114 soon to book your place!

13-06-2008: Highland Journey

Art Gallery 19 July - 16 August

Photographic exhibition by Robin Gillanders.  In June of 1934, the writer and poet Edwin Muir borrowed a car from his friend and fellow Orcadian, Stanley Cursiter, and set out on a tour of Scotland.  In 2006, photographer Robin Gillanders set out in Muir’s footsteps to make an extended journey around the Highlands and Orkney inspired by Muir’s travels – not as a writer, but as a photographer.  He has diverted, not just from Muir’s route, but from his remit, by commenting on some of the major contemporary issues facing these remote areas.

The exhibition is supported by the Scottish Arts Council, HI-Arts, the Highland Council and Napier University

24-06-2008: Merkinch Arts Group

Community Gallery, September 2008
Art exploring attitudes towards the community.

24-06-2008: China - Eve Arnold

Art Gallery 1 - 29 November

American photojournalist Eve Arnold was one of the first western photographers to enter communist China. She made her visit in 1979, at a time when its government was opening up to the outside world, and the exhibition shows a remarkable set of 40 of photos from this trip.  The images are a candid look at the country and its people and range from militia training in Mongolia and rice gleaning in Hsishuang Panna, to performing artists and noodle making.

24-06-2008: Reflections: Women in the Highlands

Small Gallery 1 - 29 November

Paintings from the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery collections, with poetry and stories by Random Acts of Writing, and Inverness-based literary magazine.

24-06-2008: Merkinch Arts Group

Community Gallery, July 2008
Art exploring attitudes towards the community.

24-06-2008: Travel Through our Memories

Community Gallery, August 2008

A group of young Travellers from Highland invite you to take a journey with them as they recall the places of importance to them and their unique experiences on the road.  The exhibition includes art work and writing, with the opportunity for visitors to add their own memories.

24-06-2008: Art Class Drawings

Community Gallery, October 2008

24-06-2008: Salt of the Earth

Community Gallery, November 2008
Art created at workshops held at the museum.  The workshops studied a wedding dress from the museum collections and the stories associated with it.

26-06-2008: Drawing Workshop with Dean Melville

Saturday 6 September, 10am – 4pm

£ 30 per person.
This workshop is designed to offer students a variety of ways of understanding and doing drawing. We will use imagery that is directly around us as a starting point, as this exhibition lends itself really well to the study of the drawn line. We will explore the use of marking techniques and look at how this relates to each individual's approach to their subject. All aspects of picture making will be covered - composition, proportion, scale, tone, perspective, etc. This class will be beneficial to both the complete beginner and the more experienced artist. It will book up fast so phone 01463 237114 soon to book your place!

16-07-2008: Medieval Archaeology Walk

Saturday 11 October, 10 am - 12 noon

Join Cait McCullagh on an entertaining walk through Medieval Inverness.  Cait will provide an insight into the ongoing archaeological investigations of the Old Town and let you in on some of the amazing and strange events surrounding our city.
Where: Meet in the foyer of Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for everyone!
How much: FREE!

16-07-2008: Knit Wit!

Saturday 6 December, 10 am - 12 noon

Dust off your needles and show off your work!  If you don’t knit yet you soon will. Bring some yarn and needles and join Katey for a fun morning of knitting in the Gallery!
Free!  Just drop in.

08-09-2008: Create your own family tree

Tuesday 14 October, 1 - 4 pm

Explore your family's past.  Participants will make a family tree and learn some research skills.  
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: FREE!

08-09-2008: Neolithic Music

Wednesday 15 October 1.30 and 3.00

Make music the Neolithic way!  Explore sound with Bob Pegg.
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: FREE!

08-09-2008: Highland Tales

Thursday 16 October, 1 - 4 pm

The Highlands are alive with stories.  Join Bob Pegg to explore some of these fantastic tales!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: FREE!

08-09-2008: Amazing Archaeogy

Friday 17 October, 1 - 3 pm
Discover amazing facts and see things hidden in the stores of the museum.  Join Cait McCullagh for an archaeological adventure
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: FREE!

08-09-2008: Fire in the Glens

Saturday 18 October, 1.15 and 3 pm
The Redcoats are coming!  Chat with a Jacobite and a Redcoat in the museum and learn about what life was like during the Jacobite Rebellion!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: FREE!

08-09-2008: Family Drawing Taster

Tuesday 21 October, 1 - 2  pm

Use your creativity to explore drawing in a new way
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families (please telephone 01463 237114 to book)
How much: £1.00

08-09-2008: Create your own Targe

Wednesday 22 October, 1 - 4 pm

Jacobites carried them and Victorians put them on their walls.  Make your shield and decorate it just the way you like it!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: £1.00

08-09-2008: Create your own Stained Glass Lantern

Thursday 23 October, 1 - 4 pm

Use paper to create a beautiful lantern to hang in your home!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: £1.00

08-09-2008: Knights and Fair Ladies

Friday 24 October, 1 - 4 pm

Medieval Inverness was an exciting place to live.  Become a knight or a fair lady and learn about some of the amazing people who lived here!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: £1.00

08-09-2008: Family Time Capsule

Saturday 25 October, 1 - 4 pm

Make a time capsule with your family for people in the future to find!
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for families
How much: £1.00

08-09-2008: Drawing Workshop with Dean Melville

Saturday 25 October, 10 am - 4 pm

Work with artist Dean Melville to explore line and form.  A class for the beginner and the more experienced artist
Where: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Who: for adults (16+)
How much: £30.00.  Phone 01463 237114 to book your space!

02-10-2008: Wasps 2008

Art Gallery, 27 September - 25 October

Wasps Artists' Studios is a recognised charity, providing studio space for over 750 artists each year at 17 locations throughout Scotland.  This exhibition shows some of the variety of Wasps artists work.

21-10-2008: Gray's School of Art Printmaking Department Portfolio 2007 - 2008

Art Gallery 10 January - 7 February

Original prints combining the work of 4th year undergraduates, invited artists and staff.  The portfolio reflects the tradition and innovation in modern printmaking.  The idea of the portfolio is not a new one.  There is a long tradition of artists being involved in projects that examine the makin gof a multiple image in the context of a group body of work.  The portfolio can function as a portable exhibition, bringing together eclectic visual interpretations of the project brief.
The portfolio has been exhibited nationally and internationally.  Venues have included Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen; R.K. Burt Gallery, London; National Library of Estonia, Tallinn; Academy of Fine Arts, Prague; Anchor Graphics, Chicago and other venues in the USA.
Invited artists for this exhibition are David Blyth, Francis Convery, Julia Gardner, Fiona Hepburn and Rosalind Lawless.

21-10-2008: Twelve Poets

Small Gallery 10 January - 7 February

An exhibition from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.  Bronze busts of twelve poets who have made significant contributions to Scottish literature, including Norman McCaig, Sorley MacLean and Liz Lochhead.  All the bronzes are new works by Scottish artists.

21-10-2008: The Strath Storypanel

Community Gallery December 2008 and January 2009

The Strath Storypanel is a triptych created for the Highland Museum of Childhood, Strathpeffer, inspired by local legend and gathered memories.  It will be displayed beside two others, 'Crofting Life' from Evanton, and 'The Wonders of Wester Ross', from Poolewe.  The panels are all created from work with local communities, artist Lizzie MacDougall and the Highland Decorative and Fine Arts Society.

14-11-2008: St Andrew's Day - Museum Open Day

Sunday 30 November, 12 - 4 pm

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is opening its doors for a FREE behind the scenes look at our very Scottish Collections! 
Take a tour of the museum stores, meet a Seaforth Highlander and learn about life on the home front during WW2, make crafts inspired by the museum collections, hear amazing tales of the Highlands, and learn how to do family histories! 
Come and explore your museum at the heart of Inverness!

27-11-2008: Homecoming Advent Calendar and Precious Cargo

1  - 31 December 2008 (closed 25 and 26 December)

The Homecoming Advent Calendar and Precious Cargo exhibition counts down to Scotland's Year of Homecoming, 2009, with a theme of migration, boats and the sea.  Behind each window is a 'precious cargo' - a 'souvenir' which people carry with them on their travels, prompting memories and reminiscences of home.

The exhibition has been designed by Brodie Nairn and Nicky Burns from Glasstorm in Tain as an innovative installation of closed Cargo boxes, one of which opens every day over the festive period to reveal a new object or contemporary ‘souvenir’ of the Highlands, which travellers to lands across the sea might have cherished to remind them of ‘home’. 
The work of 30 artists was selected from jewellery, textiles, wood and ceramics to film and represents a stunning collection of contemporary craftsmanship.  A selection of unique crafts will also be available to buy.
A Highland Council Touring exhibition. For further details please contact: Lucy Woodley/Dean Melville 01463 710978
Cathy Shankland 01463 663821

17-12-2008: Music @ the Museum - Ten Strings and a Box

Monday lunchtime, 22 December

The Scottish traditional music trio perform in the museum's ground floor gallery.

29-01-2009: Knit Wit!

Saturday 21 February, 10.30 am - 12 noon
Dust off your needles and show off your work! If you don’t knit yet you soon will. Bring some yarn and needles and meet fellow knitters for a fun morning of knitting in the museum!
Free! Just drop in.

29-01-2009: Valentine's Day

Saturday 14 February 1 to 3 pm
Bring the family to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and make some wonderful Valentine's Day crafts. FREE!

04-02-2009: Confluence

Art Gallery 14 February - 14 March

This exhibition by four distinguished Scottish artists refutes the fallacy that there is a complete segregation between the role of the observing eye and the imaginative eye, and the imaginative mind within the creative process.

04-02-2009: As Others See Us

21 February - 14 March
Small Gallery

A selection of unique and engaging contemporary portraits fo some of Scotland's best-known figures alongside their favourite pieces of poetry and song by Robert Burns.  People featured in the exhibition include musicians and writers, such as Eddi Reader and Christopher Brookmyre.  Photographs by Ross Gillespie and Tricia Malley

04-02-2009: 24 Hours

21 March - 18 April
Small Gallery

A series of portraits of carers, each one showing the carer seated on the sofa in their own home alongside the person they care for.  In some portraits, the person being cared for is unable to sit on the sofa due to their disability.  In many cases, it is difficult to know who is the carer and who is the person being cared for.  There are 600,000 carers in Scotland.  A carer could be someone you meet on the bus, it could be someone you work with, or it could be the person standing next to you.  It could be you.  
The portraits were taken by Hannah Hills, a rising young star in portrait photography.

04-02-2009: Building Biographies

Architecture in Scotland 2006 - 200821 March - 18 April
Art Gallery

An exhibition of recent projects from Scotland, Austria, Norway and Switzerland examining issues of culture, or place, and of regional identity in this time of globalisation.  Exhibition from The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City.

04-02-2009: Artist Rooms

25 April - 27 June 2009
Art Gallery

The American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe pushed the boundaries of his medium with both his subject matter and the innovative techniques that he employed.  The selection of works to be shown in Inverness focuses on his portraits - many depicting the most influential artists, writers and musicians of his day including Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and Patti Smith - and his iconic self-portraits.

04-02-2009: Homecoming Scotland

25 April - 27 June
Small Gallery

Exhibition from the National Galleries of Scotland.  The year 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national poet and cultural icon, Robert Burns.  He is the inspiration behind a year-long celebration of Scotland - Homecoming Scotland.  This exhibition, drawn from the collections of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Scotland, takes the five themes of Homecoming Scotland: Golf, Whisky, Enlightenment, Ancestry and Burns himself.  It will tour round Scotland at a time when the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is closed for renovation.  The artists are David Allan, Alexander Carse, George Jamesone, Alexander Nasmyth and Allan Ramsay.

04-06-2009: Event - Music in the Museum

13 June 2009
Lunchtime

Gordon Ferguson (fiddle) and Mairi MacKay (accordion and small pipes).

04-06-2009: Event - Music in the Museum

27 June 2009
Lunchtime

Irene Fraser (fiddle and mandolin) and Hugh Marwick (whistles).

04-06-2009: Event - Music in the Museum

11 July 2009
Lunchtime

Laura Green (clarsach and small pipes).

04-06-2009: Event - Music in the Museum

25 July 2009
Lunchtime

Laura Green (clarsach and small pipes).

04-06-2009: Event - Music in the Museum

8 August 2009
Lunchtime

Hugh Marwick (whistles).

04-06-2009: Event - Music at the Museum

22 August 2009
Lunchtime

Gordon Ferguson (fiddle) and Mairi MacKay (accordion and small pipes).

04-06-2009: Event - Bird Feeders

20 June 2009
1.00 - 3.00 pm

Get your recycle on!  Come to the museum and make your own bird feeder from a tetra-pack.  Fun for the whole family!  FREE!  Phone 01463 237114 to book your place.

04-06-2009: Event - Leather Working

6 July 2009
11.00 am - 3.00 pm
Discovery Room

Come along and join a leather-working demonstration at the museum.

04-06-2009: Event - Bugs!

18 July 2009
1.00 - 3.00 pm

Create your own crazy creature.  FREE!  Phone 01463 237114 to book your place. 

04-06-2009: Event - Enamel Jewellery Workshop

1 August 2009
10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Join jeweller Barbara MacLeod and make some lovely resin jewellery.  Ages 16+.  Cost £20.00 + £15.00 for materials.  Phone 01463 237114 to book your place.

04-06-2009: Event - Basket Making

29 August June 2009
10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Join basket maker Sheila Orr and make your own small stitched basket with lid.  Ages 16+.  Cost £20.00 + £10.00 for materials. 

04-06-2009: Migrate 2009

4 July - 1 August 2009
Art Gallery and First Floor Gallery

The annual exhibition of the Scottish Glass Society.  A show with a difference, to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Society, Migrate will showcase the best of emerging and established Scottish glass artists.

This contemporary art glass exhibition is based on the theme of Migration, and examines the different ways that artists express a sense of place and identity in their work; bringing together a collective of glass artists that actively challenge and contribute to the rich Scottish Art scene.

The exhibition will also be shown at St Fergus Gallery, Wick, 7 August – 12 September 2009, and the Iona Gallery, Kingussie, 19 September – 17 October 2009.

08-06-2009: Event - Rag Rugs

26 September 2009
10.00 am - 4.00 pm

Reduce, reuse and recycle!  Join Sheila Orr to make your own rag rug.  Ages 16+. Cost £20.00 + £15.00 for materials.  Phone the museum to book your place, 01463 237114. 

08-06-2009: Ghosts and Shadows: Rosehaugh Through the Lens

Community Gallery
June 2009

A community photographic project organised by Groam House Museum and led by Finn MacRae.  Participants included the Black Isle Walkers Group, and the newly-formed Higher Digital Photography class from Fortrose Academy.  The exhibition emphasises the Rosehaugh Estate's important role as an area of natural beauty.

08-06-2009: Relationship Scotland: My Family

Community Gallery
July 2009

Pictures by children from Scottish primary schools.  These are the winning entries in a competition run by Relationship Scotland to find pictures for Families Day, 30 August 2009.

17-07-2009: Leaving Home

19 September - 31 October 2009
Art Gallery

Curated by Highland Council museums, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of stories of Highland Homecoming.  It looks at what people left behind when they left their homes in the Highlands and explores their hopes and fears for their future.  It also looks at some of the propaganda produced to encourage migration.  The stories of three Highlanders, from Nethy Bridge, Skye and Inverness, are explored.  An outreach programme and information for schools will be created to complement the exhibition.
A tandem exhibition, produced in collaboration with recent immigrants to the Highlands, expores contemporary stories of people who have come to the Highlands to work and create a home here.

17-08-2009: New Graduates Show

8 August - 5 September 2009
Art Galleries

A selection of work from twelve recent art school graduates with a strong Highland connection.  In this year of Highland Homecoming, this show celebrates the quality and wealth of talent produced by young artists in Scotland.

17-08-2009: Now You See It

14 November - 19 December 2009
(Closing at lunchtime on 19 December)
Art Galleries

A fascinating glimpse into the history of stage magic, showing a variety of theatre apparatus while also paying homage to the close-up conjuror.  This is complemented by a film piece produced especially for the exhibition by artists Roger and Reid and screenprints by Edinburgh based artist Sharon Whyte.  Many of the pieces on show are selections from two private collections, spanning a century of conjuring memorabilia.

Saturday Morning Magic ShowsCome and be amazed by a master magician!  Performance and lecture by Dean Melville.  Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 December, 10.30 am to 12.00 noon  Suitable for ages 16 and over.  Cost £10, with £5 deposit required.  Booking essential - please telephone the museum on 01463 237114.  For further details, contact Dean Melville (Dean.Melville@highland.gov.uk or 01463 710978).

17-08-2009: Ainm is Aite Maps

September 2009
Community Display Gallery

An exhibition created as part of the Ainm is Aite project.  Schools used Gaelic place names and the traditional stories associated with them to produce individual works of art that will be incorporated into a large map.

17-08-2009: Prince's Trust Political Art Show

October 2009
Community Gallery

An exhibition showcasing young people's experiences of politics.

17-08-2009: Highland Russians

November 2009
Community Gallery

An exhibition exploring the impact that Russia and the Highlands have had on each other.

17-08-2009: Highland Home

December 2009
Community Gallery

Images of Highland homes from the Highland Photographic Archive.

17-08-2009: Leaving Home - Portraits of Emigration

19 September - 31 October 2009
Small Gallery

This exhibition explores the faces of modern emigration.  It looks at the idea of 'home' through Ewen Weatherspoon's striking photographs, and the possessions and voices of new Highlanders.  People come to live in Inverness from all over the world and this exhibition looks at one part of this story.

14-09-2009: Homecoming Scotland Events

Time Travellers FortnightJoin us at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery for a fortnight of exciting activities.
Phone us on 01463 237114 to book your place.

The Highlander
Saturday 10 October, afternoon
Meet Highlander Ray Owens as he tells what the clearances were really like.
Admission Free!

A Whole New WorldWednesday 14 October, 2 - 4 pm
When they emigrated, families would be exposed to a whole new world.  They would meet people from different countries and learn new things.  Come to this workshop and make some pioneering crafts.
£2.00 per child.  Phone to book your place.

Suitcase of MemoriesThursday 15 October, 2 - 4 pm
Make your own suitcase full of memories.  Work with your family to create your own suitcase to hold your treasures.
£2.00 per child.  Phone to book your place.

Creatures from Down UnderFriday 16 October, 2 - 4 pm
When families emigrated from the Highlands they encountered all sorts of fantastic new creatures.  Come to the museum to find out more and make your own Australian snake.
£2.00 per child.  Phone to book your place.

Super SixtiesSaturday 17 October, 2 - 4 pm
The 1960s had people emigrating from the Highlands on the £10 ticket to Australia.  Come with your family and make a bag inspired by the 1960s.
£2.00 per child.  Phone to book your place

Crazy Quilt
Wednesday 21 October, 2 - 4 pm
In many pioneering communities quilt making was an important part of life.  Join us to make your own felt wall hanging inspired by the quilts.
£2.00 per child.  Phone ot book your place

Historic ToysThursday 22 October, 2 - 4 pm
Join us to learn what sorts of toys your grandparents played with.  Make your own marbles and peg dolls.
£2.00 per child.  Phone to book your place.

Stories of Emigration
Friday 23 October, 2 - 4 pm
Join Bob Pegg for fantastic stories of emigration from the Highlands - a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Drop in for families.  No need to book.  Admission Free!

Spinning
Saturday 24 October, afternoon
Learn more about spinning and have a go at drop spindle.
Drop in.  No need to book.  Admission Free!

14-09-2009: Rag Rugs - Adult Class

Saturday 26 September, 10 am - 4 pm

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle!  Join Sheila Orr to make your own rag rug.
£20 + £15 for materials.  Please phone 01463 237114 to book your place.

03-11-2009: Museum Open Day

St Andrew’s Day Open Day
Saturday 28 November 1.00 – 4.00 pm
A return of the popular event, with craft events for families and behind-the-scenes tours. 

Riddles of the Highlands
Join storyteller and musician Bob Pegg for a gentle stroll among the wildlife on display: legends, riddles, musical instruments inspired by creatures including the wolf, wildcat, rabbit and midgie.  Tours start at 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 and last an hour.

St Andrew's Day CraftsDrop in and join us to make a colourful stained glass panel out of paper and create your own Scottish flags to celebrate St Andrew's Day.

Behind the Scenes
This is your chance to see behind the scenes!  A guided tour through the museum store, seeing highlights from the collections and hearing some of the fascinating stories that they tell.
Tours will be at 1.15, 1.45, 2.15, 2.45 and 3.15 pm.

Phone 01463 237114 for more information. No need to book – just turn up.

02-12-2009: Music at the Museum

Saturday 5 December, 12.30 - 1.30 
Laura Green, Clarsach

Saturday 12 December, 12.30 - 1.30Martin MacLennan, Accordion

Saturday 19 December, 12.30 - 1.30Gordon Ferguson, Fiddle
Elaine Bramwell, Djembe

09-12-2009: Calum Colvin: Natural Magic

23rd December 2009 - 13th February 2010 
Art Gallery

This exhibition explores the commonality between visual science and visual art, and the use of optical devices as part of their development. The artworks investigate the parallels between the invention of the stereoscopic viewer in 1838 and the digital camera in the 20th century. The exhibition also explores how images are perceived by the viewer.

09-12-2009: ThreeSixFive TriSiaCoig - A Year in the Highlands and Islands

20 February - 20 March 2010
Art Gallery

In 2007, Fin Macrae ran a photography project for Highland 2007 that was wide reaching and diverse. From Shetland in the North to Argyll & Bute, the Western Isles to Moray in the East, 52 people were selected to document a week in their lives - a photo for every day. These 365 images formed a visual diary or portrait of what life is like in the Highlands and Islands in the 21st century.

09-12-2009: Scottish Makars

23 December 2009 - 13 February 2010

WE ARE SORRY, BUT WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE CAUSED A DELAY IN OPENING THIS EXHIBITION.  Please telephone the Exhibitions Unit on 01463 710978 for the latest information.

Small Gallery

An exhibition from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery comprising 25 portraits of contemporary Scottish poets and one new work depicting Robert Burns.

09-12-2009: Hidden Highland Histories WW2

20 February - 20 March 2010Small Gallery

Spies, code-breakers and evacuees are just some of the topics covered in this exhibition of images, photographs and film of the Second World War at home and abroad. The exhibition is based on first hand experiences which are at times harrowing and traumatic but also courageous, surprising and funny. The project was developed over 9 months as part of a national initiative, ‘Their Past Your Future 2’, in partnership with the Highland Print Studio, Highland Museums and Highland independent museums.

09-12-2009: Mhairi Killin - Absent Voices

27 March - 24 April 2010 
Art Gallery

Absent Voices presents new work from contemporary artist Mhairi Killin. This exhibition explores the traditional skills of silversmithing and weaving on the island of Iona, one of Scotland’s most significant, beautiful and remote locations. The exhibition explores themes of identity, archaeology, memory and journeying.

09-12-2009: The Art of Progress

27 March - 24 April 2010Small Gallery 

This exhibition of artworks, drawings and photographs from Inverness Museum collections explores and the impact of architectural and industrial developments, old and new, on the Highland landscape.

09-12-2009: Letters Home

January 2010
Community Gallery

An exhibition produced by Am Baile (www.ambaile.org.uk), exploring first hand accounts of the experiences of emigrants from the Highlands.

09-12-2009: Girl Guides

February 2010Community Gallery

09-12-2009: Merkinch Nature

April 2010
Community Gallery

Stunning photographs taken in the new local nature reserve at Merkinch.

22-04-2010: Invasion

1 - 29 May 2010
Art Gallery

Have you ever wondered how thrilling it would be to come face to face with a Martian?  Or how about Darth Vader, or even The Predator?  Invasion brings together an army of famous - and infamous - aliens and monsters from Hollywood's biggest sci-fi blockbusters.  The collection of fabulous movie props and costumes is guaranteed to scare - and thrill.  Staring into The Predator's eyes is an unsettling experience!
The props are on display at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and the costumes are on simultaneous display at the Swanson Gallery, Thurso.  For more information, please contact the Exhibitions Officer 01463 710978.

22-04-2010: Craft Spotlight

1 May - 11 September 2010
Small Gallery

The first of four 'Spotlight' craft exhibitions - solo shows highlighting the work of Highland makers - opens on 1 May 2010 to coincide with Craft Month and Craft Festival Scotland.  The makers for the four Spotlight exhibitions are Jenny Deschenes, textiles; Laura West, bookbinding; Lucy Woodley, jewellery and Daniel Kavanagh, ceramics.  The exhibitions are part of the Making Progress Hi-Arts mentoring and business support scheme for mid-career makers.  All four makers have been involved in selecting work that has influenced them for Made It! an exhibition of work from the Craft Council Collection.  Featuring work from some of the UK's top makers, this exhibition opens on 5 June 2010 at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.  For further information, please contact the Exhibitions Officer on 01463 710978.

22-04-2010: Craft Spotlight - Jenny Deschenes

1 - 29 May 2010
Small Gallery

Jenny Deschenes is a textile designer specialising in hand screen printing and embroidery.  She uses vintage fabrics as she has always loved the idea of 'making do' and of passing on history.  Her collections involve the re-working of such fabrics and ephemera and, due to their origin and the rarity of the fabrics, each piece is unique.  Inspired by being a Shetlander, her drawings come from things she remembers from her childhood.  www.jendeshenes.co.uk.

22-04-2010: Craft Spotlight - Laura West

5 June - 3 July 2010
Small Gallery

Laura West established the Isle of Skye Bindery in 1999 and there she undertakes bookbinding commissions as well as producing her own signature range of unique artefact books, the designs of which are accurately founded upon existing historical and multi-cultural book structures such as Coptic, plam leaf and bark books.  She is also a highly regarded tutor and holds workshops locally and throughout the country.  www.laurawest.com

22-04-2010: Craft Spotlight - Lucy Woodley

10 July - 7 August 2010
Small Gallery

Lucy Woodley started her own business as a designer jeweller in 1993 and works from her studio in Tain, designing and hand making gold and silver jewellery.   She undertakes commissions and her work has moved from purely functional pieces to exhibition work.  The sea and its creatures are a constant source of inspiration in her work and she incorporates silver, gold, slate and snadblasted glass that gives it a quality of flotsam and jetsam.  www.lucywoodley.co.uk

22-04-2010: Craft Spotlight - Daniel Kavanagh

14 August - 11 September 2010
Small Gallery

Based in Glenferness, Daniel Kavanagh creates fine art ceramics that are classical and contemporary in their style, defined by crisp elegant lines and flowing shapes.  He also produces a collection of cast bronze work and exhibits in galleries, and retails through craft outlets and through direct sales.  Daniel also works to commission and this allows him to open up his creativity and explore techniques and scale.  The Highland landscape is an ever changing influence in his work.  www.danielkavanagh.com

22-04-2010: Made It!

5 June - 31 July 2010
Art Gallery

All four of the Craft Spotlight makers have been involved in selecting work that has influenced them, for this exhibition of work from the Craft Council Collection, featuring work from some of the UK's top makers.

22-04-2010: Brest-Litovsk Fort, Chernobyl Children Exhibition

July 2010
Community Display Space

An exhibition of photographs of Brest-Litovsk Fort, the 'Scots Greys' and of the Chernobyl Children, from the Brest area of Belarus, who visit Inverness every year.  Exploring the children's links with the Scots Greys, the first British regiment to make contact with Russians in 1945.

22-04-2010: Inspired

June 2010
Community Display Space

An Inverness College exhibition, featuring the strength and potential of local young artists.  A mix of paintings, photography and illustrations inspired by simple objects, transformed to something completely different through the imagination and the vision of the artist.

The opening of an exhibition will take place on 1st of June.  For your free ticket to the event, where you can meet the artists and have a complementary glass of wine, please email high.exhibition@gmail.com

22-04-2010: Focus Environment

August 2010
Discovery Centre

Photographs from the winners of the Focus Environment photography competition for school pupils in Scotland.  The exhibition is sponsored by Chevron North Sea Ltd.

29-06-2010: Summer Events for Families

All the workshops are for families and are free of charge. We ask parents/carers to stay and join in the workshop. Maximum numbers are 12-15 participants (excluding adults) and booking is required (except for 24th July, which is a drop-in day). Phone Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on 01463 237114 to book your places on the workshops. 

20th July 1.30 – 3.30 pm
Helmets and Tiaras
Making and decorating knight’s helmets and princess tiaras.

21st July 10.00 – 12.00 pm
Old Fashioned Toys
Making old fashioned toys such as pegs dolls, pin wheels and cartoon flipbooks. Also look at some of the old fashioned toys in the museum 

22nd July 1.30 – 3.30 pm
Magic Boxes
Designing and decorating small boxes that you can keep special things in eg jewellery, money,

24th July 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
Bugs, Beasties and Fossils – drop-in day
A mix of art activities and object handling. There will be three ‘Looking at Objects’ sessions on the themes of Invertebrates, Fossils and Sea Life. These will take place at different times during the event.  Just drop in - no need to book.

27th July 1.30 – 3.30 pm
Jewellery Making
Have a try at enamelling and make a small piece to hang on a necklace or key ring. We will also be making beaded jewellery.

28th July 10.00 – 12.00 pm
Glass Painting
Decorating glasses with designs inspired by the objects in the museum.

29th July 1.30 – 3.30 pm
Textiles
Creating mobile phone covers, small bags and purses using felt, beads etc. Some sewing is required but at a basic level and using plastic needles.

27-08-2010: Artist Rooms: Ed Ruscha

18 September - 20 November 2010 (closing 3pm on Saturday 20 November)
Art Gallery
 
ARTIST ROOMS National galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through the d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The Art Fund.
Image: Red Rooster : Ed Ruscha

Philip Long, Senior Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland, will discuss the artist's career and his approach in an illuminating talk at the museum on Wednesday 10 November at 6.30 pm.  Admission is free and booking is recommended, because space is limited.  To book, please contact Michael Smyth on 01575 540375 or email Michael@auchleish.plus.com.  This event is organised by The Art Fund.
 
Born in 1937 in America’s Midwest, Ed Ruscha grew up in Oklahoma City.  In 1956, he enrolled at the Chouinard Art Institute, where he studied fine art alongside typesetting and graphic design.  By the early 1960s, he was perceived to have to have created a new form of visual landscape combining typography with commonplace objects.

Over the past half-century, Ruscha’s art has evolved in unpredictable ways. At the same time, the things that first fired his imagination – cinema and film; driving, roadside signs, and the flat, featureless landscapes of the American West; the city, filled with constant visual noise; the phenomenon of human communication and the pleasures of typography – remain the basis for his art. 

The drawings in this touring exhibition show the range of Ruscha’s practice and the centrality of drawing to his career.  ARTIST ROOMS is jointly owned and managed by National Galleries of Scotland and Tate on behalf of the nation. Following the success of 2009, 21 museums and galleries across the UK in 2010 will be showing 25 ARTIST ROOMS exhibitions and displays from the collection created by the curator and collector, Anthony d’Offay, and acquired by the nation in February 2008. ARTIST ROOMS on Tour with the Art Fund supported by The Scottish Government has been devised to enable this collection held by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland, to reach and inspire new audiences across the country, particularly young people.

27-08-2010: Edge - Hebrides: Patricia MacDonald

18 September - 20 November 2010
Small Gallery

An aerial view of a cultural landscape.  Dramatic aerial photographs by Patricia MacDonald with Angus MacDonald.  The Edge is intense, creative, demanding, dangerous: a liminal zone.  The archipelago of the Herbrides is such a place.  It combines Boreal (northern) and Atlantic (western) qualities of climate and ecology.  Exhibition toured by Highland Council Exhibitions Unit in association with teh National Galleries of Scotland.

27-08-2010: Am Baile - Transport Through the Ages

September 2010
Community Gallery

Images and stories of trains, planes, boats, cars and other modes of transport during the late 19th and early 20th century.  All these images can be found on the Am Baile website, www.AmBaile.org.uk. Am Baile are interested to hear your memories of transport in the Highlands.

31-08-2010: Unlocking Doors - A Portrait of Prison Life

October and November 2010
Community Gallery

An exhibition of recent art and written work produced by offenders who attend the Education Department in Inverness Prison. The opportunity to work towards a public exhibition is a boost to the artists’ self-esteem and motivation and improves their connection to home and community. These factors all help in their rehabilitation, and reduce re-offending.

21-09-2010: Matisse: Drawing with Scissors

7 August - 5 September 2010Art Gallery

The French painter, sculptor and designer, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was one of the 20th century's most influential artists.  This Hayward Touring exhibition from the Southbank Centre features 35 lithographic prints of the famous cut-outs, produced in the last four years of his life, when the artist was confined to his bed.

26-10-2010: Mapping Our Land

December 2010 
Community Gallery

Works by pupils from six Highland secondary schools.  The art works were created using a combination of traditional screen printing and digital imaging techniques through a partnership initiative between The Highland Council Leisure and Learning and the Highland Print Studio.

02-11-2010: Christmas Events 2010

Saturday 4 December
Children's Christmas Crafts Workshop with Alison Boyle
10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Make decorations for your tree.  Booking required, with £2.50 fee.  Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Saturday 11 December
Storytelling and Christmas Crafts with Lizzie MacDougall
10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Booking required, with £2.50 fee.  Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult

Saturday 18 December
Children's Christmas Crafts Workshop with Alison Boyle
10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Make your own cards and gift bags.  Booking required, with £2.50 fee.  Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

01-12-2010: Why Did I Buy That?

16 December 2010 - 8 January 2011
Small Gallery

A Collector's Choice.  How many times have you wondered by someone has spent good money on something you wouldn't give house-room to?  This varied and interesting exhibition give the opportunity to see a range of paintings, prints and drawings bought by one amateur collector together with his comments on what encouraged him to buy them.  Ask yourself whether or not you agree with the decisions and decide whether you would have spent your money on them.

09-12-2010: Highland Quilters - Mini Workshops

A series of mini-workshops to accompany Highland Quilters' exhibition (details to follow).   Saturdays 10.30 am - 12.30 pm.  Cost per workshop £5.00, to include a kit of fabrics.  These kits will be provided for all the workshops, but please bring a pencil, notebook or sheet of paper, ruler, scissors, sewing needles, cotton thread and pins.  Contact the museum on 01463 237114 to book a place.

Saturday 22 January
Flower Brooches, with Sheena J Norquay.  You will be shown how to make a brooch by folding and gethering squares and circles of fabric.  Beads and sequins can be used for decorating the centre of the flower.

Saturday 29 January
Italian Corded Quilting, with Mhairi Matheson.  You will be shown how to sew parallel lines of running stitch following a chosen design to create channels through which cord or wool will be threaded, giving a 3-dimensional effect.  This will form the front of a six-inch square bag.

Saturday 5 February
Japanese folded patchwork, with Rita Faibling.  You will be shown how to fold four circles of fabric over four squares of fabric and wadding.  These will be stitched together to make a pouch for a pair of glasses.

Saturday 12 February
Cathedral window and secret garden, with Rosemary Masterson and Barbara MacGregor.  You will be shown how to make a pincushion using cathedral window and secret garden techniques using calico with patterned inserts.

09-12-2010: Diversity

January and February 2011 
Community Gallery

This exhibition is from a group of 3rd year students doing the BA(Hons) in Fine Art at Moray College in Elgin, who want to share their work.  The artists are very diverse in their chosen medium and also in their approach towards contemporary art.  They will be exhibiting paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolour alongside printmaking and photography, with some 3D works.

05-01-2011: Highland Quilters - From Bed to Wall

15 January to 12 February 2011
Art Gallery

An exhibition of recent work by members of Highland Quilters from across the Highlands.  Highland Quilters is a quilting group based in Inverness. The group was formed in September 1991, but its beginnings can be traced as far back as April 1980.  They hold regular meetings and run talks and workshops for members.  Please see above for details of workshop events at the museum to accompany this exhibition.

06-01-2011: Ruscha's Room

15 January - 12 February 2011 
First Floor Gallery

‘Ruscha’s Room’ is a collection of innovative artworks produced by creative young minds in the Highlands in response to an exhibition of the work of one of America’s greatest living artists which was on show at the museum in autumn 2010. The exhibition was ‘Ed Ruscha – Major Works from Four Decades’ and is one of the ARTIST ROOMS jointly owned and managed by National Galleries of Scotland and Tate on behalf of the nation.  In response to the exhibition pupils from Fortrose, Kilchuimen, Millburn, Alness and Invergordon Academies attended a series of talks and workshops exploring Ruscha’s unconventional methods - which combine typography with commonplace objects.  They created text-based art in the form of collages, which were then developed into printed t-shirts and animated films.  As part of the project the pupils emailed questions to Ed Ruscha in Los Angeles and his intriguing responses are included in the exhibition.
(Ed Ruscha – Major Works from Four Decades is currently showing at the Swanson Gallery, Thurso until 26th February.)

14-02-2011: Way of the Warrior

19 February - 23 April 2011
Art Galleries

Way of the Warrior is a visually stunning touring exhibition of movie arms and armour, used in epic historical blockbuster movies.  All the movie armour and costumes are historically based, many representing highly accurate reconstructions of warrior equipment and weapons spanning the last 2500 years.  The exhibition includes props from some of the biggest historical movies including Gladiator, Alexander, King Arthur, Kingdom of Heaven, The Last Samurai, Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down.  To complement the exhibition, some of the collections of the museum are show to give a Highland perspective to the displays.  Targes, broadswords and a 'Brown Bess' flintlock are just some of the Highland warrior's armoury that will be included.

14-02-2011: International Women's Day

March 2011 
Community Gallery

This exhibition highlights International Women's Day and includes a banner made by the 'Common Threads' multicultural women's group, as well as other art works created for IWD.

14-02-2011: Highland Deaf Communication Project

April 2011
Community Gallery

An exhibition of photographs and a DVD capturing the unique style of signing used by older Deaf signers in the Highlands.  The signers talk about their lives, memories, and growing up Deaf in Highland.  It is the first time Deaf highlanders have been included in a social history recording and is probably going to be the only record of 'fingerspelling' (their dying-out way of signing) ever made.

04-04-2011: Easter Events for Families

Friday 22 April and Saturday 23 April
Highland Warrior workshops - Arts and crafts activities for children.  Create your own costume and become a Highland warrior or a Pictish warrior princess.  10.30 am - 12.30 pm each day, cost £2.50 per child.  Suitable for children aged 7+ and please book in advance - telephone the museum on 01463 237114 for details.

04-04-2011: A Little Bit of Rigoletto

Saturday 7 May 2011
11 am and 1 pm

Scottish Opera makes its debut at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery with A Little Bit of Rigoletto, a free 20-minute version of Verdi’s classic tragic opera Rigoletto.  A pocket sized take on the company’s full scale production of Rigoletto, A Little Bit of Rigoletto unfolds with a series of colourful illustrations and is brought to life by a storyteller, a singer and two musicians.  The performances will take place in the museum foyer.

04-04-2011: Image of the Highlands

June 2011 (from 3 June)
Community Gallery

Students studying the NC Portfolio course at Inverness College are proud to present an exciting range of location studies that capture the scenic beauty of Inverness and beyond.

19-04-2011: Junior Ardersier and Petty Environmental Society

6 - 30 May 2011
Community Gallery

Junior Ardersier and Petty Environmental Society (JAPES) have been working hard researching the birdlife on Ardersier Bay, to create an information board for all to enjoy as they enter the village.  The children are also learning through a local print studio the design process, from drawing to printing their own work.  This exhibition shows what they have created.

21-04-2011: Turned and Twisted

30 April - 2 July 2011
Art Gallery

Art works from the Crafts Council collections.

21-04-2011: Craft Spotlight

Patricia Niemann: Bones & Beasts
30 April - 28 May 2011

Nick Ross
4 June - 2 July 2011

Caroline Dear
9 July - 6 August 2011 

Jennifer CantwellBirdsong
13 August - 30 September 2011

21-04-2011: More Than Floral

9 July - 6 August 2011
Art Gallery

A mixed media exhibition exploring themes of nature through a broad range of objects, More Than Floral looks closely at the inspiration the natural world provides for many makers, artists and photographers.
All the works invite the viewer to look closely at the extraordinary world of plants and our relationship to them, from luminous photographic prints of seaweed by Steve Speller and Alison Milner to Ruth Moilliet’s ghostly flowers sandwiched between layers of glass.
The smallest to the largest species of flora are featured with Sin Mui Ching-Martin’s intricately detailed pencil drawings of moss and Teresa Stewart Goodman’s quirky and very personal embroideries of trees.

21-04-2011: Stromata - Alex Hamilton

13 August - 19 September 2011
Art Gallery

The work of Alexander Hamilton, which makes use of pictograms, the pictorial result of the cyanotype process.  This process uses an object, usually a plant, placed on a pre-prepared sheet of watercolour paper.  Sunlight is used to draw the image onto the paper, then the image is fixed by washing in water.  In effect, it is a form of 'camera-less' photography.  The result is displayed in rich tones of blue, creating a contemplative work of art.

24-05-2011: 25th Anniversary Year of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

July 2011
Community Gallery

A photo exhibition of the work of the Inverness Link of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, in support of the children of Belarus. The children come from areas that remain contaminated by fallout from the nuclear explosion of 26th April 1986. To help improve their health, every year since 1998, ‘Chernobyl children’ from Belarus have been invited to spend a one month holiday in the Highlands.

15-07-2011: Focus Environment

August 2011
Discovery Room

Wildlife and the environment photography from the annual competition for young photographers.

15-07-2011: The Torvean Chain and The Croy Hoard

until Saturday the 10th of December 

Ground Floor Gallery

Two Important historical treasures are on display at the museum from the National Museums Scotland.  The Pictish silver chain found at Torvean and the Croy Hoard are on display alongside the museum’s collection of Pictish stones until the 10th of December. These superb artefacts are displayed together for the first time in the context of the areas in which they were discovered.

The massive silver Torvean chain was found in 1808 during digging works for the Caledonian Canal, on the outskirts of Inverness near Torvean Hill. It is made from solid silver and consists of 16 pairs of linked silver rings, and weighs 2.88kg. It is a stunning piece of craftsmanship and, according to the Inverness Journal of the time it was: “…the work of an artist of no inconsiderable skill.” Only ten of these chains have been found, all from Scotland.

In the spring of 1875, a girl planting potatoes in a field at Croy near Inverness dug up several pieces of ancient jewellery including a complete silver brooch and a section of plaited silver ribbon. Finds of this quality are very rare and archaeologists believe that the hoard may have originally been owned by a skilled Pictish craftsman or jeweller.

28-09-2011: Sharmanka: Gothic Kinetic

17th September - 12th November

In a magnificent spectacle of light, sound and movement, the extraordinary work of Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, returns by popular demand with a new show. Hundreds of carved figures and automata made from pieces of old scrap perform an incredible choreography to haunting music and synchronised light, telling funny and tragic stories of the human spirit as it struggles against the relentless circles of life and death. Included are extraordinary animated constructions such as ‘The Singer Tower,’ ‘Winter Tuna Fishing in the Caucasus ,’ ‘His Master’s Voice’ and ‘The Secret Life of Artists.’ ‘Sharmanka’ is the Russian word for ‘hurdy-gurdy’ and is a collaboration between sculptor-mechanic Eduard Bersudsky, theatre director Tatyana Jakovskaya and light and sound designer Sergey Jakovsky.

28-09-2011: Events

EVENTS

Highland Archaeology Festival & October Break

Pictish Jewellery  Tuesday 11th October 1-3pm

Pictish Jewellery Saturday 15th Ocrtober 10.30-12.30pm

Halloween Crafts  Tuesday 18th October 1-3pm

Halloweeen Crafts Saturday 22nd October 10.30-12.30pm

Maximum of 12 places are available for each workshop session. Children aged 5+ welcome. Cost £2.50 per child.(children under 8 must be accompanied).

Please contact Inverness Museum and Art Gallery 01463 237114 to book your place.

09-11-2011: Children's Christmas Events

If your children are bored or it's just too cold outside to play, why not take them along to our Christmas events?

Saturday 10th December    

Making Christmas decorations 1-3pm

Saturday 17th December   

Making Christmas cards and gift bags 1-3pm

There is a charge of £2 per child for materials, to be paid on the day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.