‘Blue Monday’ to get a bit brighter with park community art event

Dozens of lanterns will bring light to a Fife park on the gloomiest day of the year.

Edinburgh artist Hannah Ayre will lead schools, community groups and families on a “lantern journey” to create an illuminated art installation at Silverburn in Leven.

Covid restrictions permitting, she hopes to install the beacon of light over the weekend of January 14, 15 and 16, to coincide with the third Monday in January – Blue Monday, as it has become known.

It is supposedly the most depressing day of the year due to the darkness, post-Christmas debt and Ne w Ye a r resolutions falling by the wayside.

Ha n n a h has been involved in a number of community art projects across Scotland and creates work for the V&A in Dundee.

She said the event will be spread over three days to allow social distancing. Stewards will be in place to ensure safety. If the event cannot happen, people can display their lanterns at home or in schools or community centres.

“I’ve been getting to know the park – it’s such a special place,” she said.

“The project will be an opportunity for people to be creative and reflective, in making a collaborative artwork.

“We hope to bring some joy and light to the winter months.”

Lantern-makers will be encouraged to use willow and paper, to reflect the p a r k ’s linen-making history and the previous owners’ paper- making business.

A pack containing the materials will be provided to schools and community groups, along with an instruction video.

It is hoped the event will herald a new era for the park, which is managed by mental health charity Fife Employment Action Trust (Feat).

T he group aims to bring the park’s derelict flax mill back to life as a visitor centre.

Due to open in 2025, it will also house a backpackers’ hostel and community hub.

Lantern Journey is the park’s flagship event in a range of activities aimed at raising the final £250,000 needed to renovate the building.

A Crowdfunder has been launched at greenspacescotland.org. uk/silverburn- flax- mill or text FLAX05 to 70085.

It will be an opportunity for people to be creative and reflective

Artist Hannah Ayre will lead a “lantern journey”.