Rebecca Marr Cock’s-foot grass double © the artist

Orkney photographer Rebecca Marr and Scottish poet Valerie Gillies have spent years among the grasses, gaining respect for them through their writing and art, each using their own languages of photography and poetry as an exchange. The work in this exhibition is part of their wider conversation about the nature of grasses, sedges and rushes. Here the focus is on using grasses. The title of the exhibition encourages us to think of grass in the hand, pulled and ready to be used.

Other makers join the photographer and poet. In a specially commissioned piece, sculptor Frances Pelly responds to the Irish tradition of St Brigid’s Crosses made of rushes. Visual artist Joanne B Kaar shares her findings on the work of Angus MacPhee - Weaver of Grass, and filmmaker Mark Jenkins shows tradition-bearer Neil Leask weaving a Craa’s Foot.

Join Valerie Gillies and Rebecca Marr, for an evening of poems, images and natural history readings on Friday 5 September 6.30-7.30pm. Tickets available through the Orkney International Science Festival website.

When the grass dances the new publication by the artists, launched by Luath Press, accompanies the exhibition. It is available to purchase in the Pier Arts Centre shop, priced at £20.