New Exhibition opening on Friday 15th September
We are excited to be showing work by local artist Catherine Verlaque.
Going Home
The Opening Event will be held on Friday the 15th of September and continuing until Sunday the 15th October.
The gallery will be open Friday`s 12noon - 4pm
Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 5pm
Mid week by appointment - 07496567847
A wee bit about Catherine...........
I started my working life as a hairstylist in Glasgow, culminating in me owning my own salon for fourteen years.
I then went to live in new Zealand for nine years.
On returning home to be with my family we settled in Ayr.
this started my art journey.
I have always sketched and painted as a hobby, but after having several commissions in new Zealand I realised that I could have a future in the art world.
I dedicated any free time over the past few years to amass enough work to have a solo show.
I like to paint in bright bold colours, all different styles and subjects.
Most of my work is in acrylics but I also do paint in oils as well.
My favourite thing is doing commissions , as I love to create an individual piece tailored to the clients needs.
I help them choose colours schemes to enhance the area which it will be in situ.
I look forward to any new work as it fills my life with joy!
Roddy & I look forward to your visit to the gallery to see this exciting show. Ali.
New Exhibition opening on 2nd June
We are excited to be showing work by local artist Lynn Stenson.
Blessed
The Opening Event will be held on Friday the 2nd of June, from 6-8pm. Lynn will be here to chat about her work. Where she gets her inspiration & choice of colour palate. The gallery will be open every weekend from 11am - 5pm, or during the week by appointment to see this inspirational work until Sunday 2nd July
A wee bit about Lynn...........
I live in and come from Ayr. I have always been enthralled by anything creative,
textiles, calligraphy, fine art, and floral art, I even love watching videos on fancy gift
wrapping.
I studied Graphic Art at Cumbria College of Art and Design, in the days before
computers took over. Everything was done by hand in those days.
I have a ritual when creating art. I work intuitively. I create abstract backgrounds
using a variety of mediums from acrylics, watercolours and inks to pastel and
collage. I study these pieces for for some time until characters and shapes appear.
My pieces tell a visual story. They take you on a journey of colour, depth and
whimsy.
I love to paint. The whole process from the from the scribbly beginnings, the play
and experimentation to the frustration, the self chastisement, the doubt and
ultimately the realisation that a piece is finished… its done! I need to paint, it’s like
quenching a thirst.
When I was a child I was mesmerised by anything creative, anything hand made. I
would sit and watch Nancy Kominsky on telly with my grandma and for Christmas
one year when I was ten, I was given a wonderful oil painting kit with an instruction
book, colour palate suggestions and the very exciting palate knife. No brushes
used in this technique.
I was born into a fish trade family. My father worked hard as a fish salesman,
during the era where the industry was flourishing in this part of the world. My
mother was gentle, nurturing and beautiful. She loved her garden, the flowers and
shrubs. Much of my inspiration comes from my childhood memories. Home, the
garden, the harbour, fish, the boats, the landscape and the sea.
Lynn always like to write a few words about her paintings. This is what she said about - The Slow Cusp of Night.
"The Slow Cusp of Night"
On the 3rd day of June
With the last rays of light
Gathering moonbeams
On the slow cusp of night.
Suspended in time-
Surround and delight,
Gather your treasures
On the slow cusp of night
Nightfall approaching,
Let not darkness bite.
Keep gathering moonbeams
On the slow cusp of night.
The feeling behind this painting is, “time.” To do what you want to do while you can - make hay while the sun shines- sort of thing 🤔
I for one have always postponed and procrastinated, thinking there’s plenty of time for that…. All of a sudden you look round, your kids have grown up, left home and you are no longer needed. The things you were always going to get round to are not relevant any more. It’s probably a bad case of empty nest syndrome 😂 anyway life changes and other things take precedence. It’s a message to keep looking for what’s special to you even if it’s not what you once desired.
Does that make sense?? Lynn
Roddy & I look forward to your visit to the gallery to see this exciting show. Ali.
Old Bridge Street Studios

Old Bridge Street Studios
A New CIC has opened in Ayr. Old Bridge Street Studios, with artists Roddy McKenzie, Allan McNally, Wendy Bibby and Ferrero Rossi The studio exhibits works from the artists but looks forward to having works from visiting artists on display. The studio will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 12noon – 4pm when one of the artists will be available to talk about the exhibition. You can find Old bridge Street Studios at 13 Old Bridge Street Ayr, on the first floor. The artists all have their own studios which you can arrange to visit & speak with them about their particular work, you can also learn how they are inspired & have an opportunity to see them create.
Hello & Welcome
Hello & Welcome
How it all started
Roddy & I arrived at Croy House on a beautiful day in July 2006. Croy House is situated on the beautiful Ayrshire coast, overlooking Ailsa Craig & Arran. When we arrived we didn`t know quite how our lives would change!
According to legend the name Croy means someone with gray hair….. Croy in Gaelic is Cruaidh meaning rocky or barren…maybe we should have considered this before we arrived. Yes it sometimes has been hard, but we definitely would not or could not stay anywhere else. This blog is about our journey to get to where we are today & where we hope to go! Thanks for visiting & hope to be back soon Ali