Argyll is without doubt one of the most inspirational
places in the world, where imagination can run
freely between land and sea and the traditional
meets contemporary on a daily basis whatever
your walk of life. It is by location at the edge and
as such, a uniquely attractive place to live and
work. Whilst this is the lifeblood of many artists
and makers in Argyll, it can also present some
particular challenges. Networks are difficult to
access, exhibition and studio space can be hard
to findand often a great deal of ingenuity is
required in finding solutions. Sooner or later it
becomes clear that perhaps a collective approach
to creating opportunities may be more effective
than going it alone, an approach that doesn’t
diminish an artist’s own individuality but unites
under a common purpose.
Thus it was that in 2007 a few like minded people
discussed  the  possibility  of  an  Argyll  artists’
group and, like all good ideas, it quickly gathered
pace. When invited to join an early development
meeting  with  the  group  in  Ardrishaig,  my
colleague  Marcus  Wilson  and  I  were  inspired
by just how many individually talented artists
had travelled through a particularly unrelenting
winter  storm  to  share  their  ideas  with  such
enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. What they
do is special… just follow the Map and you’ll see
why.

John Saich, HI~Arts, 2008