Homecoming is a collaborative exhibition of sketches by landscape artist, Ingrid Fraser, and poet, Rachel Ferguson. The project germinated from a connection made while Rachel was living in Tokyo and was realised through a series of walks in the Aberdeenshire countryside in April and May.

The exhibition captures the essence of dialogues between two artists getting to know one another while interacting with the natural environment that has informed a sense of home for them in different ways. The works displayed are a collection of sketches and poems that traverse the concepts of self, motherhood, loss and the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

Homecoming delves into the contrasting and often interconnected sentiments of grief and birth, endings and beginnings. Each piece is a direct response to the stimuli of the day, crafted from the foundational elements of their arts and a discussion.

Viewers are invited to reconnect with their origins and the essence of creativity through the simple yet profound acts of observing and responding. It is a tribute to the influence of place on artistic expression and the universal journey of returning to one’s roots, both geographically and creatively.

Mixed media sketches and handwritten poems are available for purchase.

Come and explore our Open Studios

Come and explore our open studios, make the most of this unique opportunity to visit artists in their creative spaces, chat about their work and find out about their artistic processes.

You will find Open Studios in almost every type of location from custom built studios to private homes, garden sheds, cafes, galleries and more besides, some on high streets and industrial estates and others with staggering views of coast and countryside. Not all our members have accessible studios and will set up in other spaces or get together at group venues. The art and craft is just as varied and interesting, created by artists with a wide variety of experience and inspiration. Part of the fun of North East Open Studios is uncovering artwork you’ll fall in love with in unexpected places.  

What all will have in common is the wonderful welcome.

Our yellow signs are a familiar sight across the North East every September, guiding visitors to our artists’ doors. The NEOS book, App and this website shows the opening dates and times for each venue during NEOS and are a great resource to find local artists and makers all year round