Natural features coming to green space AWESOME ART
Crieff Community Garden has been given a further flourish.
Thanks to a grant facilitated by Crieff Succeeds, the entrance of the Monteath Street green space is now sporting an artistic archway.
And the garden will also be seeing some natural sculptures springing up over the next few weeks.
Volunteers brought the garden to the north of Strathearn Community Campus’s playing fields back to life last year.
The revamp was spearheaded by Catriona Smith who, along with fellow locals, used lockdown exercise time to plant bulbs, paint stones and planters and introduce other artistic additions.
And now local artists June McEwan and David Campbell are ensuring the communal area has a grand feature at its entrance.
They’ve worked with members of the community garden group on a proposal for the archway and a series of sculptures, which will be sited within the garden. David drew up the plans for the project. He told the Herald: “Over some past years the garden had been allowed to fall into disrepair, so the recent improvements are to be commended.
“The idea is that the sculptures will help create a sense of pride and purpose in the space, so improving the ongoing viability of this community asset.
“It is believed that creating a triumphal arc at the entrance will form a demarcation from the outside world into a special space for the community.
“With the support of Crieff Succeeds, specifically manager David McCann, funding was sought and granted
through the Local Action Plan Fund for Community Projects.”
It is hoped the sculptures will be part of a wider art trail throughout the Strath capital, and that in years to come new artists can get involved with designing something for the community garden.
David added: “There is an ongoing wider possibility that Crieff could develop a sculpture trail that will bring visitors from wide and far.
“The community garden sculptures would become a core part of this scheme.
“At present there are sculptures in James Square, in Burrell Square and a proposal
for a sculpture at Gallow Hill.
“These new Crieff Community Garden sculptures will add to this trail but they will also have a legacy.
“When the organic part of the sculpture degrades after five years or so, there will still be strong steel armatures – with a 25-year guarantee – that can be reused by other artists in situ.”
Catriona has been enjoying seeing the artwork in progress.
She said: “I absolutely love June’s willow arch.
“It’s the perfect way to welcome you into the garden. It’s fun, it’s intriguing and
it’s interactive.
“The willow is grown in the community garden and June has truly brought it to life with this living breathing sculpture which passers by can weave into as they enter the garden.
“I can’t wait to see the finished result, with three more sculptures to come.
“I hope it will encourage other local artists to get involved in the community garden.
“The garden is a real asset to the community and I’m so pleased that Willow Works has chosen to showcase their art for all the community to enjoy.”