The artistic talents of young people in the Highlands are second to none according to the High Life Highland Countryside Rangers and staff at the Highland Folk Museum, who had the difficult task of judging a recent art competition.
As part of the curling pond restoration at the Folk Museum and freshwater ecology education project – ‘Ponds to Puddles’ – the art competition set out to find some amazing works to feature on a new interpretive panel at the popular visitor attraction.
Over 335 entries were received from 19 schools across the Highlands featuring all manner of wildlife from water voles and blackbirds to spiders and even midges!
The overall winner was announced as Kaye Halewood from Banavie Primary School in Lochaber who wins a complimentary family lunch at the Highland Folk Museum for her stunning illustration of a swallow.
Liz English from the Highland Folk Museum said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kaye on being the overall winner in the ‘Ponds to Puddles’ art competition and look forward to welcoming her and her family to the Highland Folk Museum. And well done to those receiving a highly commended. These lovely works will feature on a new interpretation panel at the Highland Folk Museum, an honour that ensures their artwork will be viewed by thousands of visitors each year.”
Head Ranger, Imogen Furlong commented: “The curling pond at the Highland Folk Museum is currently undergoing restoration and the new interpretation panel will showcase the native wildlife that thrives in and around the area. The ‘Ponds to Puddles’ art competition was designed to highlight these species, with young people creating artwork representing some of the more common species found here. These pieces will be incorporated into the interpretation panel, effectively creating a vibrant visual representation of pond and woodland life.
“We were delighted with the amount of entries for the competition – the diversity and quality of the submissions have truly made this project special, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of young artists in our community.”
