Art at the heart of Kirkintilloch town centre

Date: 
Thursday, 10 November, 2016

 

Inspirational works by local artists are being showcased at the heart of Kirkintilloch town centre.

A new wall has been created on the corner of Catherine Street and Cowgate - featuring a range of stone carvings by talented members of the local community.

The wall is a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council's Kirkintilloch Masterplan team and the Leisure and Culture Trust's Trails & Tales programme.

Volunteers Barbara MacIntosh, Blair Findleton and Robin Ewart worked with artist Lucinda Wilkinson over a number of months to create a series of stone artworks reflecting the heritage of Kirkintilloch - such as the Strathkelvin Coat of Arms, a foundry worker and a lion's head.

Training was provided through the Trails & Tales programme, which established a stone-carving site in partnership with the Council at Kirkintilloch Marina.

The Seagull Trust kindly provided a temporary space for volunteers and artists to work.

The outdoors activity ran one day a week for over 12 months. In addition, stone-carving taster sessions were provided as part of Kirkintilloch Canal Festival and Doors Open Day.

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Leader of the Council, said, "I am delighted these wonderful works of art have now been installed in a new stone wall at the Catherine Street junction.

"The wall is a great addition to the new-look town centre, which is currently being refreshed and rejuvenated via the Kirkintilloch Masterplan.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to take the time to visit the town centre and see the wall - and the emerging improvements - for themselves."

Trust Chair Councillor Anne Jarvis said, "Well done to all the volunteers involved for their hard work in creating the stone carvings.

"The aim of the new wall - and the wider Trails & Tales programme - is to engage people in local stories and heritage, and inspire them to get creative."

The opportunity was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Creative Scotland.

The hope is that more community - and heritage-informed - public artworks can be used to enhance public spaces for Kirkintilloch and wider East Dunbartonshire.

For more information visit the Trails and Tales website and the Masterplan website.

 

Wonderwall (pictured from left) - Cultural Co-ordinator Esmee Thompson, artists Blair Findleton (from Lenzie) and Robin Ewart (from Kirkintilloch), Cllr Rhondda Geekie and Kevin Argue, Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan Officer.

 

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