Fairytale in Falkland
Fife Art Gallery’s unique collaboration
serves up art, beer and song
30/06/25 – In a move that will combine art, music, history and beer, a forward-thinking art gallery in Fife will launch a unique multi-faceted collaboration this July. Foursticks Art Gallery in Falkland will host an exhibition of original art by renowned wood engraver Beth Robertson while also showcasing a new brew by Howe Beer Project.
With special events, music and workshops planned throughout July, Foursticks Art Gallery will be the epicentre for this amalgam of arts and tipples. Known for its curated mix of paintings, ceramics and sculpture, Foursticks Art Gallery has a growing reputation for showcasing both emerging and established local artists.
“I’ve always wanted to collaborate with Beth, so when the opportunity arose to showcase her fantastic work in the gallery, I jumped at the chance,” explained Foursticks owner Joe Nicholson. “Beth has an ability to delve into the soul of a place and wanted to make a clear connection not only with the physical landscapes of Falkland, but also with the mystical qualities of this historic village. As a result, we decided to describe the exhibition as A Scottish Fairytale to reflect her vision.”
Beth, who has taught wood engraving for over 15 years and is a qualified art psychotherapist, was equally thrilled about the opportunity. “I’ve known Joe for years and we share a love for the aesthetic qualities associated with the relief print techniques I use. To bring this artform to Falkland and be inspired by its history and beautiful landscapes is a dream come true. This, combined with the collaboration with the guys at Howe Beer Project, has been inspirational.”
By coincidence, Joe was also in discussions with Kevin Kelly and Julia McCarthy from Howe Beer Project, who have been working hard to create a microbrewery on the site of the former Muddy Boots soft-play centre in Balmalcolm. One thing led to another and an idea was hatched to highlight one of Howe Beer Project’s first brews at the exhibition launch, with Beth providing the beer’s artwork.
“Our goal is to create a community-focused taproom and microbrewery in the heart of Fife,” explained Kevin, managing director and brewer at Howe Beer Project. “To do this, we want to collaborate with local businesses as much as possible, so hooking up with Joe at Foursticks Art Gallery and Beth with her incredible artwork was a no-brainer. The exhibition is a brilliant reflection of this kind of collaborative partnership.”
To complete the line-up, Jamie Keddie; a Fife-based musician, will provide an ethereal musical accompaniment to Beth’s evocative pieces. Jamie, also known as An Tuagh, uses historical instruments to bring to life new music that invokes ancient cultures and explores the connections between Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia.
“To work with artists of the calibre of Beth and Joe is very exciting,” he said. “They both live and work in Fife and share a passion for Scottish culture and history which makes this a perfect project to collaborate on. I’m really hoping the addition of a soundscape will add to the overall experience. I’m looking forward to it.”
A Scottish Fairytale – linocuts and wood engravings by Beth Robertson will run from the 5th to 27th of July at Foursticks Art Gallery in Falkland. For more information, visit www.foursticks.co.uk
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Notes to editors
1) Foursticks Art Gallery was established in 2008. It opened a gallery and framing shop in Falkland in 2023. For more information visit www.foursticks.co.uk.
2) Beth S Robertson is a Scottish wood engraver living in the Kingdom of Fife. She studied illustration and printmaking and has spent the last 23 years teaching herself wood engraving. For more information, visit www.endgrainprints.com.
3) Howe Beer Project was established by Kevin Kelly and Julia McCarthy. Their taproom is not only a place to enjoy a good pint, but it’s about creating a gathering space to foster meaningful connections and conversations. For more information, visit www.howebeerproject.co.uk.
4) Jamie Keddie is a Fife-based musician. For more information, visit www.antuagh.bandcamp.com.
5) A Scottish Fairytale – linocuts and wood engravings by Beth Robertson will run from the 5th to 27th of July at Foursticks Art Gallery in Falkland. For more information, visit www.foursticks.co.uk
For further quotes, interview opportunities and images, please contact:
Yvonne Alexander
+44 (0) 7976 369260
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