Jolomo Winning Waves Exhibition

[Kintyre Forum News]

Jolomo Winning Waves Exhibition

Friends and family of recent Jolomo winner, Dawnne McGeachy, would like to thank Explore Campbeltown and the staff of Springbank Distillery for their kind support and of the recent “Painting the Sea" Exhibition of Dawnne’s work in The Malt Mill which had been inspired by the fishing community of her home town, Campbeltown and her mother’s Shetland fishing relations. They also would like to thank Dawnne’s old Art Teacher from Campbeltown Grammar School, Ronald Togneri, who mounted the exhibition ably assisted by Springbank’s resident joiner, Stephen Kelly, to show the paintings to locals in the town for just over a week and to local artist Rosslyn Oman for preparing and cutting the labels sent by Dawnne. Also, thanks are due to all the volunteers who staffed the display (including Ronald and his wife Helen) in two hour shifts at very short notice.

Everyone involved felt that effort put in holding the display to coincide with The Cabinet Visit was worth it, as it was really delighted the many visitors (from all parts of the world) who came to see the paintings of fishing boats and seascapes which had star constellations hidden in them which were only visible in the dark. Showing these to the visitors was a wee bit problematic but was enjoyed by all who attended no matter what age, as it the emergence of the stars from the paintings in the dark was really appreciated, especially during the evening viewing when they were given a round of applause by the audience who consisted mainly of the fishing community and their friends and family. This particular aspect of the paintings was really enjoyed by the Campbeltown Grammar School pupils whose Art Department staff organised an outing for them to view the paintings. Head Art teacher, Peter Lewis, was really pleased to have the opportunity of taking his Art students to the Malt Mill as the space was so like a real Art Gallery and he said the paintings had a really profound effect on some of his students. Peter prepared a small exercise to question students on their experience and the feedback was that Dawnne had inspired the more serious Grammar School art students to study and paint the sea and shores of Campbeltown. Dawnne has also motivated many adult viewers of the exposition to reach for their paints and brushes to capture the beauty of the shoreline as they were so impressed by her talent set such a great location.

Organisers would also like to thank piper David MacIntyre for his excellent piping outside the venue to welcome visitors to the evening showing of the paintings and to Springbank Distillers for providing a toast of their famous drinks to celebrate Dawnne's creativity, skill and imagination which was recounted by her Art Teacher and mentor, Ronald Togneri. All these touches added to the ambiance this special evening in a magnificent setting which served as an ideal exhibition space for a wonderful local talent who loves where she comes from, Campbeltown. It was a great example of community collaborating with business, to showcase local talent and was a really worthwhile and enjoyable experience by all who were involved.

[DARUADH]

Brilliant!