Putting hero workers in the picture was the best way I could say thanks
Art exhibition pays tribute to frontline staff and raises cash
An art exhibition featuring portraits of frontline workers will raise money for several lifeline charities thanks to the actions of a Paisley artist.
Lorna Pirrie’s nationwide initiative saw nine artists from across Scotland offer to paint free portraits, landscapes and artworks for those who have delivered lifeline care and support.
The Frontline Workers Thank You Project aimed to recognise and reward NHS workers, paramedics, care home workers, postmen, police officers and the countless volunteers who have delivered food and medication to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Now an exhibition featuring these works and others by the nine artists is to take place at The Line Gallery in Linlithgow from Saturday, May 29 to Tuesday, June 15.
The 26 paintings gifted to frontline workers will be on display alongside other works created during the pandemic, with the artists involved donating between five and 100 per cent of the profits to Trussel Trust food banks.
It will mean a financial boost for Renfrewshire Foodbank as well as others in Glasgow and Linlithgow.
Lorna, who first approached the gallery about the Thank You project last year, says she is delighted to have had their backing.
“When the pandemic first hit the feelings of fear and hopelessness were as viral as the pandemic itself.” Lorna said.
“I knew I needed to do something about it and give myself something to focus on.
“My artwork always evokes an emotional response so I couldn’t think of a better way to convey my gratitude than to give art.
“I knew if I felt that way other artists would too, so that was my spark to organise the exhibit.”
Lorna added: “Since lockdown was so long to keep focused I thought the idea of exhibiting the additional artwork created with a percentage of profits to help hungry people seemed a good idea, and everyone else agreed.
“I will be so proud of everyone involved when the exhibition opens, knowing we have all helped make a difference in other people’s lives.”
The exhibition will feature photographs, landscapes, portraits, prints and sculptures in prices ranging from £20 to £4,000.
Above all, it celebrates the achievements and sacrifices of frontline workers over the past 14 months.
Gail Boardman, who runs The Line Gallery with Elisabet Thorin, is passionate about the project.
She said: “The Line quickly recognised the exceptional demands on key workers made by the virus situation.
“This project is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and, with the support of the artists and the wider community; we hope to generate a positive outcome for the food banks that have been so shamefully needed.”
Elizabeth Alexander of Renfrewshire Foodbank is incredibly grateful to Lorna for contribution to the Paisley-based charity.
She said: “I would like to thank Lorna for her most generous offer to donate £500 of the proceeds from the sale of her artwork Covid Games to Renfrewshire Foodbank.
“This wonderful donation will help us to continue providing food and essential items to people struggling with food insecurity, support with fuel poverty and support to help people back on their feet.”
Artists participating in the Thank You exhibition include: Elisabet Thorin, Ruth Nicol, Elaine Woo MacGregor, Lorna Pirrie, Robert Powell, Victoria Ross, Emma Boyd, Amy Mur ray and Sharon Black.
I will be so proud of everyone when the exhibition opens, knowing we have helped make a difference