The Maclaurin Art Gallery News

Paisley Art Institute at The Maclaurin Gallery

The Maclaurin Gallery • May 19, 2023

134th Annual Open Exhibition - 20th May to 25th June 2023

Over four hundred works featuring many well known Scottish artists will be on show at the Maclaurin Gallery in Ayr when the Paisley Art Institute’s 134th Annual exhibition opens on Saturday May 20th. This is the first time the PAI, as it is known, will exhibit outside its home town, the change of venue bought about by a plan from their local council to use the art gallery for other purposes. The Maclaurin Gallery is delighted to welcome such a well respected and well loved institution.

Trios by Liz Knox

John Walker, Chair of the Maclaurin Trust, said of the exhibition.

“Our late colleague and First Patron, Helen M Turner was a keen supporter of PAI and determined to bring the annual show to Ayr when the institute lost its Paisley home.

She introduced us to the team who have produced what is going to be an altogether vibrant exhibition.”


Joe Harlan President of the Paisley Art Institute

“As Paisley’s Art Galleries have been ‘reimagined', we have come to Ayr to the Maclaurin Gallery for this, our 134th annual exhibition. We have enjoyed working with the Maclaurin team and thank them for their efficiency. A healthy submission of work in wide-ranging in styles will make a fine display.

We have some 20 prizes to reward excellence, with some award sponsors choosing their own prize and others being chosen by our invited judges, including hotel owner, artist and collector Bill Costley, Mike Leonard, convenor at Glasgow Art Club, and John Walker, Chair of the Maclaurin Trust.”


The opening on Saturday 20th May will be addressed by Peter McAvoy OBE, a leading amateur golfer and writer.


The exhibition continues until Sunday 25th June.

Fading Light, Seggan by Sandy Murphy

Future Folklore: The Art and Craft of Storytelling

By The Maclaurin Gallery • March 6, 2026
Coming Soon from VISUAL ARTS SCOTLAND Private View: Saturday 28 March 2026 2pm. Exhibition Runs: Sunday 29 March - Wednesday 27 May

Ayr Sketch Club – Celebrating 125 Years

By The Maclaurin Gallery • January 30, 2026
Always a popular event here at The Maclaurin, is the Annual Ayr Sketch Club exhibition and they had a busy Private Viewing last Saturday. In addition, this year they celebrate having been in continuous operation for 125 years! The exhibition covers 3 galleries, showcasing works from 47 of their exhibiting members. Whilst the show is running, the Club’s volunteers will be on duty to chat about their work. Look out for their special edition brochure, giving an interesting insight into the history of the Club, as well as inviting new members. This exhibition continues until 8 March. President of Ayr Sketch Club - Janette Coughtrie - opening the show. (Image courtesy of Ayr Sketch Club)
Some of the people taking the private view of the Peter Foyle Solo Exhibition

Private View - Peter Foyle Solo Exhibition

By The Maclaurin Gallery • November 17, 2025
Here are a few photos from the recent opening of the Peter Foyle solo exhibition.  Peter is well known in the art world here in Ayrshire as well as much further afield, having hailed from Dorset and whose artwork sells internationally. The entire exhibition can be viewed on our website. It’s a beautiful collection of his latest works, heavily influenced by a Spring trip to the north of Scotland on the NC500. Do call in and see it if you can. The exhibition runs until 11 January 2026.