From the 26th to 29th of May, more than 100 drawings by pupils from Kells, Dalry, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright Primary Schools were on display in the Castle Douglas Art Gallery.
This was part of the Fantastic Forest Festival held earlier in the year that sought to connect and inspire people of all ages about trees and the woodlands of Galloway.
The classes who took part learned about the science of trees and the cross-cultural mythologies of the “Tree of Life”. Inspired by these stories and what trees can do for the environment, these talented young people designed their own trees. The schools who took part competition won 20 native trees which they planted in their school or community.
More than 125 people visited the Gallery over the 4-day period, with lots of nice feedback about the creative display of talents. Visitors were encouraged to add to the root drawing on the floor of the Gallery which highlighted the connection between trees which is only now being properly understood.
Ms MacDonald from Castle Douglas Primary School said:
From start to finish the project to design a tree of the future has inspired our young learners here at Castle Douglas Primary School. Jan was so knowledgeable and inspirational to the pupils during their discussions around how trees grew and the life forms they supported. To then have been able to plant trees in our own school grounds and learn even more about the best ways to do this and how to support the trees as they grow was also a brilliant experience for the pupils. Finishing off the project with the children’s designs displayed at the art gallery in Castle Douglas was such a beneficial experience for the children. Having a purpose and an audience for your work always brings out the best in our pupils and we know plenty of our young learners took parents/carers/grandparents to see their work. Well done to all involved in bringing this project to life for us.
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer added:
“We were absolutely delighted with the turnout for the “Trees for the Future” Drawing Exhibition at Castle Douglas Gallery on Saturday with over 125 young people, locals and visitors popping in for a look. The public were really impressed with the young peoples’ imaginative drawings and with the knowledge of trees that they were sharing through their artwork.
It was an absolute joy to see the young eco artists from Castle Douglas Primary School visiting the gallery on Friday at the launch of the “Tree for the Future” Drawing Exhibition at Castle Douglas Art Gallery. Everyone was so excited to see their drawings on display and enjoyed all the interactive bug and tree roots drawing in the gallery. I felt these drawings a really powerful as they help us adults understand all the amazing things trees do for our natural environment.”Comments from some of the CD kids involved included:
“Thank you so much we had a great time, and it was good to see our pictures up in the gallery.”
and
“I loved how everyone’s pictures were up there. Thank you for being so kind to us”.
The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.
