County students in a class of their own
Exhibition at Chatelherault
Talented art and design students representing schools across South Lanarkshire have debuted their works in an exhibition at Chatelherault Country Park.
Hundreds of visitors from as far afield as Edinburgh and Arran came to view the exciting paintings, sculpture and more from the 39 Advanced Higher candidates.
The idea for the exhibition, which finished its run on Sunday, January 22, came from Mhairi Mclaughlin, art teacher at Calderside Academy in Blantyre, who was keen to find a means to share the pupils’ work with the wider community.
Supported and curated by South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources, the exhibition is a first for the local authority and includes a wide variety of work, turned in by the now former pupils, many of whom have secured places at the most prominent art schools across the country.
Councillor Jean Mckeown, chair of Education Resources, was among those invited to view the event on its opening night earlier this month.
She said: “This is an exciting and innovative venture, which marks a first for South Lanarkshire, and demonstrates the outstanding artistic talents of our young people.
“I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to see and promote the amazing work going on in our high schools.
“We have no doubt that each of these young people will go on to have hugely successful careers.”
Tony Mcdaid, executive director of Education Resources, who also attended the opening night, declared the exhibition “inspiring”.
He added: “Not only is this showcase a novel way for our young people to share their immense talents but it is also a testament to the art and design teachers who have taught, encouraged and supported these pupils during their six years at school.
“I am delighted by the entire project.”
Schools who took part in the popular exhibition included Carluke High, Calderside Academy, Holy Cross High, Hamilton Grammar, Larkhall Academy, Lesmahagow High and Strathaven Academy.