Arty pupils turn streets into a celebration of Christmas

SCHOOL pupils have transformed the streets of Gallowhill into a colourful celebration of Christmas.

Almost 300 drawings and paintings by children from St Catherine’s and Gallowhill Primary schools have been displayed on lamp posts around the Paisley neighbourhood from Friday, December 18 to Friday, January 8.

Newly-formed community group, Feel Good Gallowhill – who came up with the idea for a Children’s Festive Arts Trail to bring some festive cheer to the area – was supported by Renfrewshire Leisure’s Arts Team in turning the concept into reality.

Now residents can enjoy seeing the drawings and paintings of Christmas scenes everywhere they go along the Active Communities 5k Walking Route through Gallowhill.

Chairperson of the Feel Good Gallowhill group, Tracey Kerr said: “We’d like to thank the pupils from Gallowhill and St Catherine primaries for all their amazing artwork. Without that the art trail wouldn’t be happening and we hope it brightens up the community this Christmas.

“We’re a newly-formed group of volunteers who want to make Gallowhill better for the kids and give them something to do while trying to regain a sense of community spirit.

“Our group wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Families First and Active Communities and it’s a huge thank you to Kate Drummond from Renfrewshire Leisure for all her hard work.”

Head teacher at St Catherine’s Primary, Emma Henry said: “When we were asked to participate in the Festive Art Trail we jumped at the chance.

“Not only did this allow our pupils the opportunity to showcase their fantastic art talents, but it gave us the opportunity to spread a little festive cheer throughout Gallowhill.

“Our place within our community is very important to us, so being involved in local initiatives such as this throughout the year is something we relish.

“This experience has provided us with a further opportunity to teach our pupils about the importance of being good citizens.”

Sheila Hood, head teacher at Gallowhill Primary said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed creating their pieces of artwork and were so excited to see them appearing on lamp posts.

“It is really important for us as a school to contribute to our local community and if our Christmas pictures put a smile on the face of even just one person then our efforts have been worthwhile.”

Kate Drummond, Visual Arts Project Producer at Renfrewshire Leisure said: “These bright and joyous drawings and paintings will certainly brighten up the streets of Gallowhill.

“We also hope that the Festive Trail will encourage people to get out and about during the holidays with family and friends to enjoy a socially-distanced walk around the walking trail.

“And if you are a Gallowhill resident interested in making good things happen in your community, we’d encourage you to join the Feel Good Gallowhill group.

“The project forms part of our Future Paisley neighbourhood work in Gallowhill, West End, Glenburn and Foxbar.”

Future Paisley is a programme of economic, social and physical regeneration building on the work already done to use Paisley’s internationally-significant culture and heritage story to change its fortunes.

Go to https://www.renfrewshireleisure.com/childrens-festive-art-trail for more information about the project.