Big Draw Workshops at Highland Museums

Myths, legends, crofting, fishing and early school years are just some of the themes which will inspire workshops in Gairloch and Strathpeffer during the October holidays.  Children and families will have the chance to take a closer look at the collections of Gairloch Heritage Museum and the Highland Museum of Childhood as part of a Big Book project developed to celebrate the Big Draw, the National Campaign for Drawing. 

At Gairloch Heritage Museum, local artist Charlotte MacKenzie will work with children and families to create mini works of art inspired by the museum’s fascinating collections.  Each artwork will be mounted in a giant book which will be on display in the museum for the month of October. The free workshops take place in the museum on Friday 24th of October from 10.30am -12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3pm.  Contact Gairloch Heritage Museum Tel. 01445 712287 for more details.

At the Highland Museum of Childhood, artist and storyteller Lizzie McDougall will lead an event “The Story of our Strath – From Finn McCool to World War II”.  Children will be encouraged to help to create a triptych of story panels through art and storytelling.  Art work from this project will also be displayed in a giant book for the month of October.  This event is sponsored by the Highland branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies and the Patricia Hay Memorial Fund. The free workshops will take place on Monday 13th October 11am - 3pm, Tuesday 14th 1pm -3pm and Wednesday 15th 1pm - 3pm.  For more information contact the Highland Museum of Childhood Tel. 01997 421031.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “It’s great that so many Highland museums have taken the opportunity to organise events which will encourage more children and families to visit their local museums during the October holidays.  They’ll have the chance to work with professional artists, meet museum staff and volunteers and find out more about the history of the area”.

Lorna Cruickshank, Highland Council’s Independent Museums Support Officer said: “Other Big Book, Big Draw events which are supported by The Highland Council and Museums Galleries Scotland are taking place in independent museums across the Highlands.  They include workshops at Strathnaver Museum and the Clan Donald Centre in Skye and schools events at Tarbat Discovery Centre and Grantown Museum.”

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For further information please contact Lorna Cruickshank, The Highland Council tel: 01349 863441.