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Two new exhibitions are the flavour of February at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.
On Saturday 15 February in Gallery One Advance, the annual exhibition of the artwork produced by sixth year students across Dumfries and Galloway as part of their Advanced Higher Art and Design opened. On Saturday 29 February, Human Machines, a interactive sculpture exhibition by Johnny White and Amanda Wray will be available for your perusal.
‘Advance’ includes eight of the regions secondary schools featuring the work of the 2019 cohort. Some of the students who are in the exhibition are currently studying Art at college and university, but others pursued art in sixth year purely for the pleasure and experience of studying a creative subject at this level. The work of some of their art teachers will also be on show, and there’s a further display of work on show in the cafe gallery. ‘Advance’ offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy seeing the artistic skills of our home-grown talent and also might just inspire younger pupils thinking about a creative career.
Artwork from Castle Douglas High School, Dumfries Academy, Dalbeattie High School, Kirkcudbright Academy, Dumfries High School, Sanquhar Academy, Douglas Ewart and Wallacehall Academy is on-show.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of Communities Committee commented;
“We are delighted to be able to showcase the talents of our school pupils here at Gracefield and wish them all the best in their future creative ambitions whether that’s professionally or instilling a life-long enjoyment of art practise.”
‘Human Machines’ is a humorous and interactive exhibition of kinetic sculptures by talented artistic duo, Johnny White and Amanda Wray. The exhibition is inspired by the common experiences and feelings, as well as pivotal moments in life, which affect us all as humans. Using recycled materials and found objects salvaged from tips or sourced from junk shops, Freecycle and eBay, Johnny and Amanda combine sculpture, engineering, metalsmithing and electro-mechanics to make their thought-provoking and humorous sculptures, which appeal to all ages.
Join Johnny and Amanda on the opening Saturday, 29 February, at 1pm when they will give a talk about the work and their inspiration. Please book a place on 01387 262084 or email arts@dumgal.gov.uk if you wish to attend the opening.
‘Human Machines’ is a 20-21 Visual Arts Centre touring exhibition travelling to museums and galleries throughout 2020 and 2021 with Gracefield the only Scottish venue.
Councillor John Martin, Vice-Chair of Communities Committee added;
“This is a very lively exhibition and takes a look at our bodies and minds in a fun and fascinating way – it is one not to be missed.”
Gracefield is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, admission is free.
Visit the website at www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield or check out Facebook and Twitter for ore information.
