THREE Scottish craft makers are to have their work featured in the first Best of Europe craft exhibition.

Patricia Shone, Frances Priest and Amanda Simmons have been selected for the Homo Faber show in Venice, Italy, from 14-30 September.

They have been elected for the exhibit by curator Jean Blanchaert.

Patricia Shone’s work is inspired by the Isle of Skye, making textured vessels.

Amanda Simmons makes kiln formed glass objects and Frances Priest’s work "explores cultural histories of ornament and decoration through collections of ornately drawn and coloured ceramic objects."

Fiona Logue, director of Craft Scotland, said: "The selection of work by Frances Priest, Amanda Simmons and Patricia Shone for such a prestigious showcase is testament to their work and to the renown of Scottish craft as a whole.

"I very much look forward to seeing their work enjoying well deserved global attention among the Best of Europe."

Blanchaert said: "The black ceramic raku work of Patricia Shone has a prehistory flavour and, in the same time, gives you an impression of a very distant future.

"The ceramic of Frances Priest, composed by numerous mosaics, emanate a great joy and has the colours of an imaginary and still unknown Scottish clan.

"Somebody could think that the glass powder would be like sand, unholdable but Amanda Simmons found a way to compact this powder. In these two objects you can even see migrant white birds flying in a blue sky."

www.homofaberevent.com

A NEW director has been announced for the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, who will curate its 40th anniversary event next May.

Dani Rae was most recently head of participant services for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Originally from Kirkpatrick Fleming, she attended Annan Academy in Dumfries and Galloway before heading to Glasgow then Edinburgh to study.

She has since worked with leading arts agencies, festivals, artists, theatre and dance companies, including Aurora Nova at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Ms Rae said: "I’m delighted to join the brilliant team at Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival at such an exciting time.

"I look forward to working with artists locally and further afield to create a 40th anniversary programme to remember.

"The seasonal programmes for Arts Live continue to grow and I’m excited to work with our local promoters to deliver year-round, quality performing arts events to some of our most remote communities in Scotland.”

The 40th anniversary festival which will take place from 24 May until 2 June.

www.dgartsfestival.org.uk

EDINBURGH Folk Club have announced their line up for October.

They include Ransvik on October 3, which comprises Anna Wirsén, from Sweden, Christian Alvad from Denmark and Rod Sinclair from Scotland.

Blueflint play on October 10, a band who have toured with The Proclaimers and appeared on the BBC Quay Sessions.

Mike Wilson and Damien Barber perform on October 17, a duo nominated for a BBC 2 Folk Award in 2010.

Quicksilver play on October 24, and Brog on October 31.

Brog comprises legendary piper Gary West on pipes, whistles, vocals, guitar; virtuoso fiddler Greg Borland on fiddle, bass, and Sandy Brechin on accordion.

All gigs take place at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh.

www.efc1973.com/home