The new exhibition opening in Da Gadderie at Shetland Museum and Archives this weekend includes a sampling of art and design work from school pupils throughout Shetland.

Mairi Macdonald, Art & Design teacher at Brae High School describes the essence of this exhibition: George Bernard Shaw said on creativity, “You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not’?” This effectively encapsulates the approach that is taken to the subject of Art & Design in Shetland schools.

This is the second major exhibition to show examples of the rich and creative diversity of Art & Design work produced by pupils in Shetland. Art & Design teachers have brought together work from across the islands from nursery to senior secondary. The exhibition gives an insight into the development of a child’s eye from the earliest mark making, to the sophisticated creations of a young adult.

The first school exhibition in da Gadderie was in 2009, and was so successful that previous high visitor numbers to the Shetland Museum and Archives were exceeded.

Artworks on display range from traditional drawing and paintings of portraits and landscapes to outstanding examples of body adornments made from the simplest of materials. Work is both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Expressions within these works communicate many different things; boldness or gentleness, innocence or complexity and a variety of emotions ranging from happiness to distress.

Pupils from across Shetland can both share and celebrate their achievements in this beautifully presented exhibition.

Director of Children’s Services Helen Budge added: “It shows the extraordinary breadth of talent and imagination our pupils have. I am really excited to see pieces from all our sectors: nursery, primary and secondary. It is a great tribute to our Art & Design teachers who work across all our schools nurturing pupils’ creativity.”

The exhibition opens on Saturday 10th November 2012 and runs to 6th January 2013.

Da Gadderie
Shetland Museum and Archives
Hay’s Dock
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0WP
www.shetland-museum.org.uk

Source: Shetland Museum and Archives