Young artists win prize at Paisley art show
A group of care-experienced young artists from East Ayrshire recently triumphed at a national art show in Paisley.
The ArtClub? collective was invited to participate in The Big Art Show, which opened on Friday 30 August with an awards ceremony at The Art Department gallery in Paisley town centre.
Organised by Outspoken Arts, the competition welcomed entries from artists across the country, from all backgrounds and experience levels. These included Ann Vance, Ashley Cooke and Caroline Gormley.
Promise Participation Lead and ArtClub? organiser, Eòghann MacColl, said the young artists did an incredible job and “more than held their own” in the competition, which also featured entries from professional artists:
“This in itself was an accolade for a group of care-experienced young people from East Ayrshire towns and villages, who all come from a mix of backgrounds and care settings. It was such a pleasure to see them engaged and to have their talents acknowledged and celebrated.”
After impressing the judges with their collaborative artwork, the group won the Outspoken Arts Award for Digital and Innovative Work.
Nine of the young artists attended the awards ceremony, along with their friends, families and carers. The East Ayrshire Intensive Support Team, Children’s House and Reviewing Officers and staff from the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust were also in attendance.
Haniah Shafi, East Ayrshire Council Children’s Independent Review Officer, expressed her deep admiration for the ArtClub? group, the young artists and their contributions:
“I am always in awe of this lovely group; you are all amazing as individuals and absolutely spectacular when you come together. I hope you picked up on all the love around you and your work tonight.
“You showed up for yourselves tonight and for each other. What a blessing to have been invited along and to be connected with other people as a result of you! You were the reason so many people came tonight and I hope that’s not lost on you.”
Eòghann expressed his gratitude for everyone who made the young artists’ participation in the project possible:
“Many thanks to Mari Monaghan from East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, who travelled to Paisley and supported two young people from Cumnock and Auchinleck to attend the event. Her consistent support and her presence there as a ‘friendly face’ was much appreciated.
“Thank you also to East Ayrshire Leisure Trust Visual Arts Development Assistant, Annie Donaldson, who assisted with the installation of the young artists’ work, and to Geraldine Greene, Visual Arts Development Officer, who has been a constant support to ArtClub? from day one.
“Finally, thank you to the Speaker’s Art Fund, which supported our young people’s participation in this amazing project.
“Everyone at the Big Art Show was taken aback at how well the young people stepped up and created their collaborative art piece in a public space. Congratulations to each and every young person who took part and demonstrated their incredible artistic talents.”
The Big Art Show will run at The Art Department, Paisley, until Thursday 14 November 2024.
Find out more on the Outspoken Arts website.
