MGS Summer of Play
COP 26 Environmental & Printmaking Project

Summer of Play was delivered over the summer of 2021, in partnership with Rhona McKinnon, Assistant Museums Officer from Low Parks Museum in Hamilton & Sarah Stewart, Education Officer from Glasgow Print Studio. With health & wellbeing routed at the centre of the project it provided fun, creative and relaxed activities for young people and artists returning to engagement work following Covid-19 Lockdowns.

Held in Low Parks Museum and the printmaking facilities in Glasgow Print Studio, the group explored paintings from the museum’s collection and discussing ideas around the environment and the changing ‘Landscape’. Artists, Rosalind Lawless and Lilian Ptáček shared their art practice with the young people from Lanark, discussing how they use sketchbooks to develop ideas into prints. A tour around the MONO exhibition in the 1st floor gallery provided the group with various examples of how artists use different printmaking techniques to produce unique prints. The practical sessions encouraged experimentation and development of ideas exploring screenprinting processes.

When asked how the experience had been participants replied:

"It’s been much more relaxed than school, I like that there hasn’t really been any pressure or deadlines, it was really fun trying new thing and I’ve found I really enjoyed it. It’s not something I’ve ever considered before. Abigail, Carluke High School

I really liked the process of printing and experimenting, I think it was good to work with professionals who really know what they are doing and also giving us tips on how to keep a sketchbook was really helpful." Charlie, Calderglen High.

Cut stencils, photo exposure, layering of images, mark making, colour mixing and mono screenprinting techniques were introduced and culminated in the production of individual artworks over 2 full days in the studio.

COP26 Summer of Play Exhibition

To mark COP26, United Nations Climate Change conference coming to Scotland we will be presenting the work produced during the project at the Low Park Museum from Monday 18th October 2021 until 16th January 2022. Specially selected by Museum staff to go on show alongside the prints and objects will be the painting “Earth Day” by Tom Hutcheson (1922-1999) Both artists, Lilian & Rosalind will also exhibit a piece of their work.

"I think it is important to celebrate the achievements accomplished by the young people after a difficult 18months with face to face teaching restrictions. The enthusiasm and commitment from everyone who contributed has made it a standout project to be involved with. I hope this will be the first of many more to come."

Sarah Stewart, Education Officer

A short film highlighting the project activities and the young peoples experiences can be viewed here 

The project was funded through Museums Galleries Scotland Summer of Play Fund