Stracathro Hospital hosts college's first public exhibition since start of pandemic

Year 2 HND Contemporary Art Practice Students from the Arbroath Campus of Dundee and Angus College launched the exhibition of their work at The Pavilion restaurant, in the grounds of the hospital, on Tuesday (March 1).

The exhibition, which is open to the public daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm, presents a single piece by each of the dozen, second year students and forms part of their coursework which, in addition to the production of the work itself, has seen them learning about selection, submission and framing along with finding out about the organisation and logistics of mounting an exhibition.

The pieces will also be for sale - framed, £50 each with 20% of the proceeds going to Stracathro.

Funds raised will go towards enhancing the hospital environment for the benefit of its patients and visitors.

The remainder will go directly to the artists themselves which, the college has said, offers an opportunity to snap up a unique piece of artwork from an up- and-coming artist as well as a chance to support local talent.

While the art department at the college’s Arbroath campus is also making best use of its own Esk Gallery space along its corridors by exhibition other artworks, the exhibition at Stracathro marks the college’s first public display of work since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the students and staff alike keen to show off the fruits of their labours to a wider audience.

Oonagh Devoy, course tutor, said: "It’s a great opportunity for our students to develop their professional practice skills and critically reflect on feedback given from the general public.”

The Pavilion itself, sited in the grounds, is also open for breakfast and lunch services, from 9am to 10.30am and 12pm to 2pm in an inviting and relaxing space.

It offers a range of hot dishes and health snacks throughout the course of the day.

As well as the works provided by the second year students, the college is also exhibition a selection of pieces by first year HND Contemporary Art Practice students, which will also be on display throughout the exhibition.