We’re as mad as a hatter about art
Coffee house steps in to help students
Talented Paisley art students now have their very own exhibition space.
Design students from Minds of Young Artists, a production company set up by pupils at the town’s West College Scotland, will now have their work displayed in Mad Hatter’s Coffee House.
The crafty bunch were joined by representatives from the college and Paisley 2021 as they celebrated the launch of their exhibition last week.
The space inside the Gauze Street cafe will provide a permanent platform where the students can show off their creative framed prints, and sell MOYA- branded merchandise to the public.
WCS design lecturer Deborah Dennett said that gaining an exhibition space was a massive coup for the production company.
She claimed: “The permanent exhibition at the Mad Hatters coffee house is a great platform for the students to showcase their artwork as well as raise awareness about their brand and production company.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them.”
MOYA was created, and is driven entirely by, the design students at the college.
It looks at promoting and selling the pupils artwork, providing a solid foundation for them to put their work into circulation and generate revenue for themselves.
The revolutionary concept, which is supported by the town’s City of Culture Bid 2021, has enjoyed great success, with students already having designed and created pieces for five local businesses.
The exhibition is the latest success for the company and for the young artists of Paisley.
Deborah added: “We are delighted that our students are designing, producing and selling their products through the MOYA brand.
“It enables them to implement their learning, while at the same time grow their entrepreneurship skills and gain invaluable work experience.”