A colourful new artwork has been created in Sanquhar to mark the crossing point of the Southern Upland Way and the cycle route from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Artists Toubie Jack, Lorraine Melissa and David Rushton worked with Sanquhar Primary 7 pupils over the summer to create the artwork, a mural which brightens up the outside of the public loos, and on Tuesday 6th November they formally handed it over to Dumfries and Galloway Council.

David Rushton said: “The pupils and artists chose the theme to celebrate the meeting place of cyclists and walkers on two epic and challenging journeys. It was a really enjoyable project for everyone involved and was great for these young people to be involved in creating a piece of art that will last for many years. We’re also delighted to have had the opportunity to transform a very plain exterior into something the whole community, as well as visitors from all round the world, can enjoy.”

Toubie Jack showed the pupils how to paint landscape and forest scenes via a live TV link from her studio in Manchester, while David Rushton brought in bike parts and walking gear for the children to draw in the school art class. Toubie and Lorraine Melissa then worked with pupils at weekends to create the mural.

The project was funded through the Council and DGU’s Regional Arts Fund, which is now inviting applications for projects in 2019/20.

Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chairman of the Communities Committee, who received the mural on behalf of the Council, said: “This is an excellent example of how getting involved in the arts can help young people learn new skills while creating something really impressive, of which their whole community can be proud.”

Cathy Agnew, Chair of DG Unlimited, said: “I’m delighted to see the Regional Arts Fund supporting projects like this, which bring people of all ages together to develop their creativity and make a positive difference to their local area.”
 
Find out more about the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Arts Fund 2018/19.

Moat Brae will soon open as the new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling and it's looking for volunteers aged 14 to 26 who would like to help run a major community takeover event at the house in December. 
 
The event, called Mutiny, will be a fantastic community takeover day and forms an important part of Moat Brae’s Dreams for the Future Festival, one of the final Year of Young People events for Dumfries and Galloway.  Moat Brae will invite the people of Dumfries and Galloway to come along and find out more about Moat Brae and how it intends to help champion young creativity throughout the area and beyond.
 
Mutiny will take place between 11 and 3pm on Saturday 1st December 2018 at Moat Brae House and will feature a variety of fun experiences.  There will be in-character storytellers, face painters and wonderful arts and craft activities provided by professional artists.  Visitors will enjoy a sneak peek at the interiors of the house and will have a chance to sample some of the exciting things the new centre will have to offer.  They will be able to talk to the Moat Brae team and learn more about how it hopes to inspire, encourage and educate people of all ages.
 
If you help run a youth organisation that would like to take part in this event or would like to learn more about the Dreams of the Future festival or Moat Brae itself, please contact John Molloy at john@peterpanmoatbrae.org