Ex-Dollar Academy pupils join in bicentenary celebrations
Around 60 accomplished artists - all former pupils of Dollar Academy feature in a special exhibition at the Macrobert Arts Centre’s Arthouse Gallery .
To help launch the school’s bicentenary year, Dollar Creates runs from June 11 to 24 featuring paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, textile and fashion pieces, floral designs, etc.
The free exhibition brings together a range of community of artists, all of whom began learning their craft at Dollar Academy and many of whom have gone on to carve out successful careers in the subject.
Among the exhibitors is Rachel Maclean , one of Scotland’s most talked-about young artists, whose work has been exhibited at The Tate Gallery and the Venice Biennale last year.
John McAslan is the architect behind the award-winning transformation of King’s Cross Station and is currently at work on the revamp of Glasgow’s famous Burrell Collection museum.
His exhibition at Dollar Creates focuses on his restoration of one of Haiti’s most important civic landmarks. Built in 1891, the Iron Market was severely damaged by a 2008 fire and 2010 earthquake. It was rebuilt and restored by Mr McAslan’s practice and re-opened by President Bill Clinton in 2011.
Another exhibitor, interior designer Danielle van Rhijn, said:“I always loved art at Dollar Academy but I never thought I was good enough to go to art school.
“The rector told me,‘You can be whatever you want to be, and we will help you all we can.’And they did. My teachers Gus McLean and Cath Kelly were so inspirational.”
Mr McLean, curator and the academy’s former head of art said:“Our intention to show the breadth and scope of creative activity stimulated by studying art and design; it is possible to have an exciting, rewarding career in the creative industries.“
Dollar Creates is on from June 11-24 from 10am until 7.30pm (occasional exceptions, please check with Macrobert box office on 01786 466666).
You can be whatever you want to be