Public art workshop in Auchterarder

Nov 11 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH and Kinross Council’s Arts Development Service is holding a special one-off workshop later this month for artists who work, or plan to work, on public art projects.

Scottish artist Chrissie Orr is coming home from New Mexico for a working holiday to lead the workshop at the Community School of Auchterarder on Saturday, November 29, between 10am and 4pm.

Chrissie has been involved in the field of public art for the last 30 years, with community collaboration at the heart of her practice. She has worked with many culturally diverse communities across the world from East Lothian to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sydney, Australia.

In the arid region of Albuquerque she worked alongside young people to design and build a water catchment system, while in Silver City, also in New Mexico, she created the Food Drawing – a temporary mosaic made completely from food. The idea behind this artwork was to pay tribute to the farmers who strive to provide local sustainable food.

During her workshop in Auchterarder, participants will explore community engagement and how to develop site-specific artworks. They will also receive an introduction to Chrissie’s work.

Booking is required for the workshop and cost is £55 each (lunch included). Attendees should bring a sketch book and a digital camera if they have one. Call 01738 477849.