Artists, visitors, and the spirit of the Outer Hebrides come together in a celebration of creativity in October on the Isle of Harris
After months of preparation (and plenty of help from wonderful friends), The Galerie at my home in Geocrab, Isle of Harris, was finally ready to welcome visitors just in time for the Creative Light Festival. The timing couldn’t have been better. I opened the doors as the storm clouds gathered over Harris, and before long, the space was buzzing with warmth and conversation, embodying the spirit of a creative festival.
One of the festival highlights for me was a visit from Joe Cornish, who was leading a photography workshop on the Outer Hebrides. When Storm Amy swept through, Joe and his group popped in to take shelter, and soon the place was filled with laughter, steaming coffee, and the smell of Tricia’s freshly baked apple cake.
During the creative festival, the atmosphere was lively, filled with artistic expression and the joy of collaboration.
It was such a joy to reconnect with Joe, one of the kindest and most grounded people I’ve had the pleasure of working with during the last Creative Light Festival in the Cairngorms. He and Simon Baxter currently have a new exhibition, All the World’s a Stage, at Nunnington Hall, which looks well worth a visit.
This creative festival was an opportunity for artists to showcase their talents and connect with the community.
Before the festival began, Carien Borst and I hosted an art journalling workshop in The Galerie. What began with a few hesitant brushstrokes soon turned into a joyful flurry of colour and creativity. Once everyone let go of expectations, they truly embraced the freedom of expression, collaging with flower-patterned napkins, torn wallpaper, and even a little sand from the Harris beaches. Beautiful sea creatures emerged from ink and paint, and by the end of the day, the space felt alive with creativity, which was always my aim. It was the perfect soft opening and a taste of what’s to come when
The art journalling workshop was a perfect prelude to the creative festival, highlighting the importance of creativity in our lives.
The Galerie officially launches in spring 2026. Until then, visits are welcome by appointment if you’d like to stop by.
As we look forward to the official launch, the creative festival will remain a cherished memory.
A.S. Apothecary Now Stocking My Art Prints
I’m thrilled to share that Amanda from A.S. Apothecary is now stocking a selection of my fine art prints amongst her beautiful range of balms, sprays, and tinctures, all crafted with deep respect for the land. The prints, part of my new “Liminal” series, are produced on Hahnemühle fine art paper and are now available to purchase in person at the Apothecary in Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides.
These prints, inspired by the creative festival, are a testament to the beauty of our surroundings.
For those further afield, my online shop will open on 3rd November for a limited two-week period, where these prints (and a few other special pieces) will be available. I will be adding a very special limited edition Gift box inspired by the Outer Hebrides, to encourage creativity. It contains everything that you would like to gift someone to inspire them to create, but also feel really well-treated. I have managed to get hold of some of the first soap and shampoo bars that Amanda is making as a little extra treat in the box.
The gift box will also reflect the themes of the creative festival, encouraging others to explore their creativity.
Included in the box :
Art print – printed on Hahnemühle paper, ready to frame (5x5inches)
Jackson’s Sketchbook in A6, so you can take it anywhere- always!
Each element in the gift box is a reminder of the creative festival and the joy of creating.
Three of my favourite art pens for creative sketching and journaling.
An A5 notebooks.
A handmade and hand-painted bookmark with a quote to uplift ( please note these are delicate and truly one-offs! )
3 notecards with quotes and photography from the Outer Hebrides to remind yourself to breathe and create.
These notecards are designed to inspire creativity, echoing the spirit of the creative festival.
One bar of A.S. Apothecary’s handmade soap or shampoo bars. All handmade on the island using the traditional cold process from Olive oil, Shea Butter and Coconut oil to give a rich, creamy lather.
These will be posted out in November w and postage is included within the UK. £55. To Pre-order message me at margaret@margaretsoraya.com