At Beacon Arts Centre we host a constantly changing programme of inspiring and thought-provoking exhibitions in our light and airy Gallery space. Guest Curator Fraser Taylor presents a year-round programme by local, national and international artists - some exclusive to the Beacon.
by Joan McKeeman
On display 21 Feb - 25 Apr
Joan McKeeman was born in Greenock and studied at Glasgow School of Art from 1977-81. Her practice is inspired by Scotland’s West Coast, with her work capturing the shifting qualities of light, weather and season - themes that resonate equally in rural and urban settings.
Since returning to Greenock, she has been drawing and painting familiar locations known by the local community to be beautiful, restorative and awe-inspiring. Inverclyde enjoys a place in the landscape that can hardly be beaten for coastal views and watching the changing seasons on the hills and mountains of Argyll. However, her work also shows those corners around town that are surprising for their beauty too.
by Joanie Jack
2 May - 27 Jun 2026
Open Call
4 Jul - 22 Aug 2026
by Fraser Taylor
5 Sep - 7 Nov 2026
14 Nov 2026 - 2 Jan 2027
At Beacon Arts Centre we host a constantly changing programme of inspiring and thought-provoking exhibitions in our light and airy upstairs gallery space. Guest Curator Fraser Taylor presents a year-round programme by local, national and international artists – some exclusive to the Beacon.
Fraser studied at Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art. His internationally exhibited work includes large-scale sculptural installations, set design, print media, filmmaking and painting. From 2001 to 2017 he was a Visiting Artist and Adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and in 2017 was awarded an Honorary Professorship from Glasgow School of Art.
We are excited to announce Inverclyde-based photographer and creative Garth Ivan will become the Centre’s new Exhibitions Curator in summer 2026, succeeding Fraser Taylor after eight years in the role.
Reflecting on his time at the Beacon, Taylor said:
“What an incredible honour it has been to serve as Guest Curator over the past eight years and to present the work of artists from local, national and international creative communities.”
Speaking about his appointment, Ivan said:
“I’m delighted and humbled to be stepping into the role of curator at the Beacon and working with the team to showcase emerging and established artists from across Scotland and beyond.”
Ivan’s first exhibition as curator will be the Summer Open Exhibition (4 July – 22 August 2026), followed by a special exhibition by Fraser Taylor (5 September – 7 November 2026).
Image: Christopher Bowen
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