St Andrews – 2nd February 2023 – Yesterday at Frasers Gallery St Andrews, pupils from St Leonards School and members of the public laid down their creative paw prints on canvas, as Scotties By the Sea 2023 launched its search for artists to design each of the unique sculptures.

Joining the team as the newly appointed Art Coordinator is Rio Moore.

Rio will be overseeing all aspects of the creative process from art submissions right through to the final touch ups for the Auction. Rio is an illustrator, sculptor, and painter. She has created sculptures for various art trails including Oor Bowie 2016, Peacock Penguin 2018, Oor Freddie 2019, Woodland Spirit 2019 and Brave Wee Boy 2019. Most recently her sculpture Wildlife Warrior (which was part of Giraffe About Town Trail) was located at Edinburgh Waverley.

Of her new role and the Scotties project Rio says, “I am excited and honoured to be part of the ‘Scotties by the Sea’ team and very much looking forward to seeing the designs as they start coming in. As a creative who works with community, it’s important to me that art is in community.

It’s all about connecting with people and breaking down financial barriers. On a personal level, my mother died of cancer and so the fact that this trail will raise funds for Maggie’s takes it to a whole new level for me. “

Artists Wanted to join the Pack!

In September 2023, 30 giant Scottie sculptures, all uniquely decorated by artists, will appear in our streets, parks and open spaces. They will be exhibited for 10 weeks, forming a fun, free, family friendly art trail for residents and visitors to follow. A feel good campaign we can all be proud of; Scotties by the Sea brings St Andrews & the Northeast Fife coastal communities together to help celebrate their region through creativity.

Trail explorers young and old will have fun rediscovering their coastline, learning about the artwork, and spending time together. After entertaining and bringing people together, the legacy of Scotties by the Sea continues when the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Maggie’s.

We need you to make it happen

Can you transform a 3D blank canvas – the Scottie sculpture – with your artwork? Join the art trail and have your work seen by hundreds of thousands of people. BID St Andrews, along with Wild In Art are now seeking submissions from the local and regional arts community and beyond. Designs are welcomed in any medium; traditional to new media, fine art to illustrations, graffiti and mosaic. Whatever the art form, we’re keen to add drama, fun and a creative flourish to our Scotties by the Sea Trail!

“We are very passionate about supporting local talent here at the gallery and would urge all artists, both established or budding, to get involved submit your ideas and who knows, if successful, Scotties by the Sea could provide a huge platform to access new audiences.” says Louise Fraser, Owner, Frasers Gallery St Andrews.

Submissions can now be made until the closing date on March 31st at 5.00pm With Final selections being announced from April 2023

Download your artist pack for full terms & conditions and templates at www.scottiesbythesea.com/artists