Née Gibson architects are leading on the refurbishment, which has been funded through the Shetland Charitable Trust Capital Grants Scheme. Work will include replacement of the porch and conservatory, works to the roof and general renovation, bringing the historic building up to a more modern standard of energy efficiency and accessibility. The exhibition ends on Sunday 1 October, the gallery, shop and cafe will then remain closed through the winter, reopening when work is completed in Spring/Summer 2024.
“We would like to apologise to our regular customers, but the opportunity to secure the future of the site as a platform for Shetland’s creative community in the long term, and to fix some of the problems with the building is too good to pass up”. Said Graeme Howell, Chief Executive of Shetland Arts Development Agency. “We will continue to support our maker community through our expanded retail offer at Mareel and the successful Visual Arts and Craft Makers awards.”
Shetland makers and artists featured through this year's Showcases were Nielanell, Helen Robertson, Island Ceramics, Karlin Anderson Jewelry, Aamos Designs, The Pottery North Roe, Gilly B, Red Houss, Deborah Briggs and Paparwark Furniture. Since the beginning of the craft showcases in 2018, over 35 Shetland artists and makers have been featured and supported to develop their work.
