Royal Ulster Academy exhibition is success for Inverness art Lecturer Frank To

ARTWORK by an acclaimed artist and Inverness art lecturer has been bought by the government of Northern Ireland.

Inverness College UHI art lecturer Frank To, whose work displayed at the Royal Ulster Academy exhibition has sold out, has seen some of his art purchased by the Northern Ireland Executive for its public collection.

Mr To, who was one of only four Scottish artists to be selected for the annual exhibition in Belfast, has also been elected into the Society of Graphic Fine Art in London as an associate member, an official recognition for his exceptional draughtsmanship skills and innovation in drawing within the UK.

Mr To said: “It’s very important that I keep pushing myself with my art.

“Yes, I’m a university lecturer who teaches a potentially future generation of young Scottish artists, however, I need to be out there making and exhibiting my art.

“Furthermore, pushing myself and competing continuously enables me to keep myself informed and ‘sharp’ with my art practical skills. My constant need to challenge and better myself in drawing was recognised by the Society of Graphic Fine Art electing me as an associate member.

“I am very honoured and humbled to have my work purchased by the government of Northern Ireland. To have my work hung in their public collection and to be one of the very few Scottish artists in their collection is an achievement that I’m still trying to come terms with.

“I’m hoping that my success will inspire the younger generation of aspiring Scottish artists to follow suit and excel to make a
difference within the Scottish contemporary art scene.”

Mr To’s sold ignited gunpowder artwork is still on show in the Royal Ulster Academy annual exhibition in Belfast until January.

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