Ute Amann-Seidel, Wild at Art (Scotland)

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How would you introduce Wild at Art ?

Our small-group art holidays allow visitors to really connect with the stunning locations Scotland has to offer. Inspired by beautiful surroundings and rich heritage, they get an intense, and at the same time relaxing experience. They develop and enjoy their creative skills while we take care of the rest. 

Wild at Art experiences combine high quality tuition with hand-picked, feel-good accommodation, catering, transport and social programme. 

Which creative experiences define you the best? 

We always have a programme of scheduled art holidays that are open for individual bookings. Watercolour painting in the famous St Andrews, acrylics painting in the style of the Scottish Colourists in the beautiful fishing villages of the East Neuk coast, or soaking in and painting the ancient history and creative buzz in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh – to name a few. One of our most popular experiences is the painting week in the Outer Hebrides islands Lewis & Harris with Scottish artist Nicky Sanderson. The stunning islands with their world famous beaches regularly feature high up on lists of top destinations and can make anybody’s creative juices flow. 

We are particularly excited just now as we have recently added photography experiences to our offer – currently on the menu are tours of Edinburgh and nearby coasts, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull and the Outer Hebrides. For “real” photography any weather and mood is interesting, so tours also take place in the winter months. Our tutors are outdoor guides as well and know the best locations inside out. Combined with excellent accommodation, cuisine and company these tours are unique, quality experiences for seeing Scotland differently. 

On top of these scheduled packages we also create bespoke art and photography experiences for customers. Want to try your hand at stonecarving, inspired by the ancient buildings that were the backdrop for Outlander? – We’ll put together a tour that takes your group to explore the Ancient Peoples exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, sketch the mysterious carvings at Rosslyn Chapel and then create their own pieces with the guidance of award winning sculptor Susheila Jamieson in her studio. Or maybe the Celtic designs have inspired you to design your own silver jewellery? We have an excellent husband and wife team of silversmiths who can help you translate your impressions into pieces of jewellery, made by you.

“ Our tours get (them) to really see, smell, taste, hear and feel the spirit and heritage of our stunning locations ”

What is the added value in terms of innovation and authenticity ? 

We are unique in that we are the only operator in Scotland to offer different activities, different locations and different artists. 

Overseas visitors usually still have this perception that Scotland only stands for golf, whisky and bagpipes. Very few are aware that Scotland also has an incredibly vibrant cultural sector with first class artists and tutors. We’ve made it our mission to make this creative richness and talent visible to overseas visitors and let them experience it as one of the most inspiring creative tourism destinations. Our tours get them to really see, smell, taste, hear and feel the spirit and heritage of our stunning locations. 

Take the Outer Hebrides painting week, for example. The tutor’s partner Les, who is our drive guide, knows the islands inside out and has so many stories to tell. He shares his incredible local knowledge with our guests, which “normal” tourists can only dream of. While we tour the islands and sketch and paint in different locations – famous ones such as the Callanish Standing Stones, and insider ones such as beautiful hidden beaches – we stop at local community or art cafes for refreshments and often a chat with locals. Depending on the weather we may decide on a spontaneous picnic on the beach – or on the floor in St Clement’s church in Rodel. In the evening we may find a live music session somewhere to chill out and enjoy. 

Our trips are well prepared and we have indoor alternatives lined up in all locations, just in case. On the way we visit little galleries, artists’ studios and the famous Harris Tweed exhibition. 

Our guests always appreciate the personal touch with which we take care of everything and being part of a warm and welcoming group. This is particularly important to solo travellers and the fact that 30% of our guests are repeat customers speaks for itself. 

April 2017


For more informations  : www.wildatartscotland.com

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