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

Flower Kings and Nobles - Lex McFadyen’s Solo Exhibition

By The Maclaurin Gallery • June 9, 2025
This vibrant selection of predominately new work by Scottish artist Lex McFadyen, adorns gallery one. Most of his work was completed in his sunny French studio at Noyers-sur-Serein, Burgundy. Each one a shining jewel on the canvas and, so far, has proved a popular show with visitors. Images here are from launch day on 24 May and show Lex alongside the gallery’s curator Dianne Gardner. McFadyen grew up in Ayrshire before completing his degree at Glasgow School of Art and he went on to have a successful career in fashion. Now he has come full circle, returning to his first love of painting and we are delighted that he has returned to Ayrshire for a solo show! This exhibition runs until 30 June. There’s still time to see it… or call in again for another look! All artwork is for sale and affordably priced, original artwork. The perfect statement piece to transform any wall in your home.

Spring Vibes

By The Maclaurin Gallery • May 12, 2025
Spring has been busy in the gallery with the launch of both the Glasgow Society of Women Artists' annual exhibition and ‘If You Don’t Ask’ by freelance photographer for the press, Alistair Devine.

Meet the Artist - Ayr Sketch Club

By The Maclaurin Gallery • February 18, 2025
The first exhibition of the year is Ayr Sketch Club's Annual Exhibition. It's always a popular event with a wide range of Ayrshire based artists. We hosted a ‘Meet the Artists’ event midway through their exhibition as, sadly, their scheduled exhibition launch was cancelled due to storm Eowyn. What a great afternoon it was, bustling with artists and visitors! This exhibition continues until the end of March.