Pupils curate and organise exhibition

Blairgowrie High School’s art department held a very successful postcard exhibition and auction at the end of the school term.

Pupils from S4 to S6 at the Beeches Road school organised, curated and ran the sale, which was inspired by the Royal College of Art’s summer sale of paintings sold annually by blind auction.

The sale, which featured over 1000 pieces of work including artwork by pupils from all years at the school as well as work from a number of talented artists from across the UK, raised over £400 for the department.

Principal teacher of art and design, Sam Kennedy, was delighted with the success of the event.

She said: “It was a great night, and such a lovely experience for everyone who attended.

“It had a real art gallery feel to it and gave staff a chance to chat and engage with friends of the school, pupils and parents in a relaxed, creative environment.

“We were very pleased with the turnout and it was a very positive end to a very creative year at the school.

“The A6 size of postcard really inspired the pupils, who worked very creatively with it in a range of media - everything from printing to photography.

“I would like to thank all the artists that contributed to the auction by generously donating works for sale.

“Thanks also to all the pupils and staff who took part and a huge thanks to our senior art ambassadors that helped out on the night - Alex Connal and Stacey Hilton.

“I would also like to thank all the visitors, parents and teachers that attended and generously donated.

“The work looked stunning and this is definitely an event we would like to hold again next year.

“The auction created a real buzz with phone bids coming in from staff and with just a minute to go before the bell there was a scuffle of activity at the bidding table!

“Everyone came away with an artwork and experience to remember.”

Artists who donated work to the sale included Peter Nurick from the V&A, printmaker Mark Hunter, jeweller Anais Paulard, Jane Smith, illustrator Qing Zhao, ceramicist Sean Kingsley, illustrator Mia Xia, textile artist Elly Hartis, Katie Morrison, artist-inresidence for the Cateran’s Common Wealth Common Ground project Deirdre Nelson, Ross McDonald from Inky Works, Becky Milling, illustrator Steve Bright, Alistair Jelks, silversmith Sarah Cave, designer Caron Ironside, Nathan Mowatt, Julie Nicol, Bari Marsh, designer Gary Kennedy and designer Chris Twaddle.