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HOLDFAST

Exploring hope beneath the waves of Argyll’s coast

1 September to 14 December 2025

HOLDFAST brings together the work of six artists inspired by a shared love of the sea and the life it supports.

In autumn 2024 the artists took part in a unique residency based in the Argyll Coast and Islands Hope spot; a designated area of exceptional marine habitat stretching from Ardnamurchan to Loch Sween. Together they explored this underwater world through snorkelling, observing and drawing beneath the waves.

Kilmartin Museum is pleased to host the resulting work in our Special Exhibition galleries to share the results of this experience.

A holdfast is the strong base of seaweed – a perfect metaphor for how multiple artistic journeys emerged from one shared experience underwater. As one artist described: "many tendrils coming from one anchor point (the holdfast), like our many experiences stemming from the same origin; the dives on this residency.”

This exhibition brings the responses of the artists together and showcases jewellery, printed silks, sculpture, animation, film, mosaic and felting.

Each piece is an interpretation of life beneath the waves and a reflection of the artists’ commitment to art rooted in ecological care.

Whilst displayed works are not available for purchase, a selection of cards and prints are available to buy from our Museum shop.

Animation Workshops: Saturday 27th September

These hands-on workshops are designed to engage children about local marine life through the medium of stop-motion animation.

The workshop will be led by marine artists Viola Madau and Rosie Cunningham. Participants will learn about local underwater species and then create their own animations to tell a story about these amazing creatures.