The island and its creative people
The art association, Ærø
Kunstforening, was founded in March 2003. It is a very active and
dynamic association that offers its members a community around
exhibition, development of ideas and presentation. Since its
foundation, the association has attracted 175 members - creative
artists, craftsmen and people interested in arts and culture.
The association has been responsible
for several large public exhibitions and arrangements - and several
of these initiatives have now almost become institutions in the
island.
For instance, Art on the Harbour -
the annual exhibition in the old shipyard building on Ærøskøbing
harbour - has become a real draw and is a fine showcase for the
island's creative people.
The island has always had an
attraction on visual artists. Just as on Bornholm, in Skagen and
Odsherred, light is the utmost attraction. Wherever you are on the
island, the sea around it will always ensure that light is
reflected and intensified so as to provide sharper contours and
saturated colours. Some of the artists on the island use nature
directly: stones, shells, herbs, wood. Others are inspired to work
in paper - with charcoal and watercolours - canvas and oil
paint.