Artist-in-residence for a day at Challoch Church

It's a real honour to be asked to be artist-in-residence for a day at the beautiful Challoch Church, by Newton Stewart in Galloway. As well as displaying examples of my art, I shall be working on two pieces of textile art inspired by harvest time in Galloway. I'm looking forward to sharing my passion with visitors and chatting about my art and inspirations.

Here's a little more information -

'One of Dumfries and Galloway’s finest examples of a small Victorian house of worship, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Challoch, is delighted to announce that celebrated Bladnoch-based visual artist, Louisa Ruthven, will headline the 2026 All Saints’ Challoch ‘Doors Open Day’ – titled ‘Heritage Works’ – from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 5 September.

A member of the prestigious Scottish Textile Artists Group ‘EDGE’, Louisa is an artist who works in textiles and stitch. Her art practice is nature-led, telling stories of the land. She has a special interest in natural dying and printing, using foraged plants and flowers.

Louisa will come to Challoch hot-foot from exhibiting at the Harbour Cottage Gallery, Kirkcudbright with the Wigtownshire Artists and Makers Group. At the All Saints’ event, she will work on a picture throughout the day, demonstrating her skills and techniques while answering visitors’ questions. Examples of Louisa’s work will be on display and available for sale.

“I am delighted to be part of the All Saints’ ‘Doors Open Day’,” Louisa said. “There is such a rich heritage of artists living and working in Galloway, drawing inspiration from the land, the light, and the people. I am glad to say this heritage continues to flourish with so many wonderful artists and creatives actively at work in the region.”

The Challoch event is part of the larger ‘Doors Open Days’ initiative across Scotland, coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust.