Studio 1 of the Harbour Arts Centre, at Irvine Harbourside has been the venue of an impactful art exhibition highlighting the diverse talents of St Matthew’s Academy pupils from S1 to S3 
With viewing available until this Friday (20 June) afternoon – please call the venue before visiting on 01294 274059, the exhibition showcases the very best of the works completed by the local secondary school pupils during their Art and Design classes over the past academic year 🤩
In a mix of styles including, drawings, paintings, landscapes, paper mâché jewellery, portraits, mixed media and sculptures, the exhibition has something for everyone to enjoy and is a feast for the eyes!
First opened at the start of June, the exhibition will be on display until Friday 20 June.
An S1 pupil taking part shared: “I was really excited when I found out my painting had been shortlisted for the exhibition. I feel really proud seeing it up there on the wall of a real art gallery.”
With another pupil adding: “I took inspiration from the nature around North Ayrshire, particularly bird life. Although I took this route, I feel really inspired by the different works that everyone else submitted. We are all really unique and talented in our own way. It’s great to be a part of it all.”
Headteacher Stephen Colligan said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the work of our pupils at North Ayrshire’s flagship arts and culture location.
“The Harbour Arts Centre is an excellent venue and I am sure all visitors will be impressed at the quality of the artwork on display.
“The work reflects not only the depth of talent we have in Saint Matthew’s Academy but also the commitment and hard work of our outstanding Art Department.”
The artistic prowess and potential being demonstrated so early by pupils in their academic journey has impressed visitors to the showcase.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the work of our pupils at North Ayrshire’s flagship arts and culture location. The Harbour Arts Centre is an excellent venue and I am sure all visitors will be impressed at the quality of the artwork on display. The work reflects not only the depth of talent we have in Saint Matthew’s Academy but also the commitment and hard work of our outstanding Art Department.”St Matthew’s Academy Headteacher, Stephen Colligan
The art exhibition follows on from the first St Matthew’s Academy Art and Design awards ceremony for Artists of the Year where S1 pupil Grace Ryan, S2 pupil Danaleigh Howie and S3 pupil Sophie Blautenburg were crowned as the overall stars of the exhibition.
Keep up to date with the incredible creations the pupils are making via the St Matthew’s Art Department page on X.
For more arts and culture events, stay tuned to the Harbour Arts Centre events page.
The art exhibition is a brilliant example of how North Ayrshire Council is working alongside services to champion the rights and opportunities of children and young people. In this case the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child #Article31 – all children and young people have the right to take part in diverse cultural and artistic activities.
If you are working on a project that is also providing pupils with this type of learning experience, please get in touch as we would love to hear about it! Email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk