St Matthew’s pupils showcase talents at art exhibition
Studio 1 of the Harbour Arts Centre, at Irvine Harbourside is the venue of an impactful art exhibition highlighting the diverse talents of St Matthew's Academy pupils from S1 to S3.
With viewing available this Friday and Saturday afternoon and next Friday (20 June) - please call the venue before visiting on 01294 274059 - the exhibition showcases the very best of the works completed by the local secondary school pupils during their Art and Design classes over the past academic year.
Quote: We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the work of our pupils at North Ayrshire’s flagship arts and culture location. The Harbour Arts Centre is an excellent venue and I am sure all visitors will be impressed at the quality of the artwork on display. The work reflects not only the depth of talent we have in St Matthew's Academy but also the commitment and hard work of our outstanding Art Department.
Quote from: Stephen Colligan, Headteacher of St Matthew's Academy
In a mix of styles including, drawings, paintings, landscapes, paper mâché jewellery, portraits, mixed media and sculptures, the exhibition has something for everyone to enjoy and is a feast for the eyes!
First opened at the start of June, the exhibition will be on display until Friday 20 June.
An S1 pupil taking part shared: “I was really excited when I found out my painting had been shortlisted for the exhibition. I feel really proud seeing it up there on the wall of a real art gallery.”
With another pupil adding: “I took inspiration from the nature around North Ayrshire, particularly bird life. Although I took this route, I feel really inspired by the different works that everyone else submitted. We are all really unique and talented in our own way. It’s great to be a part of it all.”
The art exhibition follows on from the first St Matthew’s Academy Art and Design awards ceremony for Artists of the Year where S1 pupil Grace Ryan, S2 pupil Danaleigh Howie and S3 pupil Sophie Blautenburg were crowned as the overall stars of the exhibition.
With Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People adding: “Congratulations to the talented pupils who have been featured in this exciting art exhibition.
“It is amazing to see such artistic prowess and potential being demonstrated so early by pupils in their academic journey. I have no doubt that many of the young artists will be back in HAC in the very near future if their current works are anything to go by. If you’re heading over to Irvine Harbourside over the weekend, please drop-in to see the work for yourself and show your support!”
Keep up to date with the incredible creations the pupils are making via the St Matthew’s Art Department page on X.
For more news and arts/culture events, stay tuned to the Harbour Arts Centre on Facebook.
Published: 12 June 2025