Big praise for city art trail at launch
Local politicians and organisations praised the Leslie Street Art Trail at its launch last week.
Provost Dennis Melloy officially opened the second year of the project, which is organised by Blairgowrie-based artist Wendy Mackey and comprises a series of exhibitions in shop windows during the nine-day Perthshire Open Studios, at the Dome Cafe on Leslie Street on Friday.
More than 60 artists are exhibiting in 29 businesses and organisations in the town and, as well as Leslie Street, businesses in the Wellmeadow, Meadow Place, Reform Street, Allan Street and Upper Mill Street are also involved this year.
Wendy has also been working with the art department at Blairgowrie High School.
Pupils at the school are exhibiting their work in the town’s library and have created a footprint trail around the route and decorated the area with recycled materials.
And staff in the Beeches Road school’s art department, who are all practising artists themselves, are also showcasing their own work at a venue on the trail.
Younger children also have the opportunity to get involved in the celebration of all-things creative thanks to two local artists, Shirley McGregor and Catriona Mackay, who are hosting 11 free workshops for young people to encourage them to express themselves through art.
Provost Melloy said: “This year Wendy has gone on to further develop ideas for this project working with more artists, businesses, organisations and members of the community as the Leslie Street Art Trail and Perthshire Open Studios both continue to go from strength to strength.
“I must say a huge congratulations to all involved, and it’s great to see everyone come together and celebrate our arts and heritage in Blairgowrie.”
Blairgowrie and the Glens Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers added: “Well done to Wendy Mackey for coordinating the event and the art trail and to all the artists who have taken part this year.
“The sheer range of windows is fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around the town looking at the work on display.
“The concept of shop window galleries is a really interesting one and it is only possible due to the support of the businesses who have taken part.
“Thanks to them for once again demonstrating how much of a community there is amongst business owners in the town.”
Stuart Nichol, chair of the Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust (BRDT), commented: “This is a fantastic initiative and the inspiration and enthusiasm by which Wendy has delivered this is outstanding.
“It has created a real interest and buzz that will encourage people to explore the town in more detail and appreciate what it has to offer.
“Everyone calls for more footfall in the town and this type of initiative is a wonderful example of how to do that.”
This year the winner of the window display competition was Angie Wilson whose work is displayed in one of the windows of the development trust offices in the Wellmeadow.
The display from the Butterstone Artists in Davidsons Chemists, also in the Wellmeadow, was second and the Wisecraft window in Booklore in Upper Mill Street was third.
Speaking at the launch, Wendy thanked everyone involved in the art trail, including Perth and Kinross Council, BRDT, John Swiek and the Hub magazine, Tracie Dick from Nest, Shirley McGregor and Cat Mackay, Blairgowrie High School and all the artists and businesses.
The art trail runs until Sunday, September 15.