COP goes the easel

Environmental theme for East Neuk artists’ Christmas Arts and Crafts event

  • East Neuk Open Studios has organised a big Arts and Crafts Christmas Market on the 6th and 7th November, from 10 till 4 each day, in the Bowhouse near St Monans.
  • With the market taking place during COP26, there is an environmental theme to the market, which will be raising money for local climate change charity, Footprint East Neuk.

ENOS organiser Philippa Mitchell said: 

“We are all trying to be more environmental, using recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible, and trying to reduce our adverse impact on the planet. As artists in an area such as the East Neuk, the natural world is very important to us. The landscapes and wildlife that surround us are often the inspiration for our art, so naturally we want to do as much as we can to protect them.

“That’s why we are making the COP26 summit a central theme in this year’s ENOS winter event. We will be raising money with a tombola of donated artworks, in support of a local climate change charity, and many of our artists will also have work produced with the environment as a subject and with the impact of the artwork product in mind.

“There will be a wide range of styles and media on display and for sale, from up and coming and well-known artists, with lots of potential purchases for those seeking unique and unusual seasonal gifts and cards. And in the wonderful East Neuk too – what could be better for a great day out?”

Rosie Jack of Bowhouse added: 

“Our environmental impact on the landscape and wildlife is a key priority for Balcaskie and at Bowhouse. Whether it’s stewardship of the land, creating habitat for wildlife or hosting events at Bowhouse we are always aware of our responsibility to ensure we are creating a better environment than when we started. At Bowhouse we are determined to reduce our event waste and work with partners who understand our mission of reducing waste where it cannot be reused.”

  • The upcoming festive ENOS event will be ideal for buying local quality products, from independent artists and designers, for Christmas and beyond. Visitors will get choose from 45 very different artisan market stalls and gallery spaces and to chat with the makers, find out about their artistic process, and make more ethical purchases.
  • Visitors will be supporting independent East Neuk artists by choosing unique gifts for themselves and others. Many artists are inspired by this beautiful corner of Fife, in their imagery or the materials they use. And by buying locally, people can avoid empty shelves, unnecessary airmiles or gifts stuck in shipping containers to spoil their Christmas!
  • The event is taking place during the Cop26 event in Glasgow. The artists will be donating gifts in aid of a great local environmental charity: Footprint East Neuk. Gifts will be displayed on and around a Christmas tree as a tombola-style feature in the Hall at Bowhouse. Tickets will be offered for sale in aid of the charity, with a surprise number that can be revealed to show which gift has been ‘won’. Footprint East Neuk representatives will be on hand to explain what their charity is all about. Artists are also looking at their environmental impact and working to develop their environmental approach to their arts practices.
A selection of the Tombola prizes to raise funds for Footprint East Neuk (click below to get a better look) …

Footprint East Neuk is a registered charity (SC050194) based in the East Neuk of Fife, whose purpose is to reduce the ecological footprint of the East Neuk and to connect people with nature. The charity aims to encourage local people to reduce their carbon emissions by adopting a more sustainable lifestyle; and to restore biodiversity in the East Neuk by organising tree-planting events and nature-based activities attended by local people.

Footprint East Neuk believe that protecting and restoring the natural world, particularly through mitigation of the climate crisis and reducing waste, are fundamental to preserving a healthy global ecosystem upon which the survival of the human race depends. In addition, connecting communities with nature enriches the lives of many people. Their strategy involves organising interactive workshops, public engagement events, organising tree-planting and nature-based activities attended by local people.