Talented young artists in local schools are again celebrating success and achievement in their artistic endeavours at the annual East Ayrshire Schools Art and Design Exhibition.
Held at the Young People’s Gallery in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, the event has been showcasing the best in pupil art and design, and creative expression for almost 20 years and continues to go from strength to strength.
This year’s opening night had a pop art theme and was attended by over 150 family members, friends and guests, warmly welcomed by Councillor Elena Whitham, Chair of the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.
All nine secondary schools and Park School were represented, giving young people a wonderful opportunity of having their artwork displayed in a public gallery – while also offering an insight into the high quality of teaching and artistic guidance across East Ayrshire school art and design departments.
In keeping with the pop art theme, Emily Robinson, an S3 pupil at St Joseph’s Academy was invited to sing – choosing “Andy Warhol” by David Bowie and Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” – both of which went down a storm, setting a ‘pop party’ atmosphere for the evening.
Emily was also a work of art – with her face and body art designed and created by her mum, Lorna Reid, of Face Paint Parties, who offered Pop Art inspired face and body art to all guests, young and old.
Commenting on the event and the exhibition, Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “This fantastic annual event is a brilliant way to present the artwork of our young artists, for the first time, in a public gallery – celebrating talent, creativity and success.
“It has grown to become the most eagerly anticipated date in the calendar for school art and design departments and an opportunity for young East Ayrshire artists to connect with one another, through their shared love of art.”
The exhibition is free and runs in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock until Saturday 14 April 2018.