Dingwall Mercat Cross competition finale
The finale of a competition for S3 students to design a 21st century Mercat Cross for Dingwall High Street took place this weekend. Winners were announced at a preview display on Friday and competitors’ artwork and sculptures were showcased at a one-day public exhibition on Saturday.
250 S3 pupils from Dingwall Academy produced designs for a 21st century Mercat Cross for their Art and Design coursework. The project was developed by Dingwall Academy Art and Design Department in collaboration with the Dingwall Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
Dingwall CARS is a heritage-led regeneration project promoting awareness-raising and investment in the town’s historic environment. It runs until 2016 with funding from Historic Scotland, the Highland LEADER 2007–2013 Programme, and the Highland Council.
Pupils were asked to imagine the cross as a meeting place for Dingwall's young people. Their sculptures demonstrated a broad appreciation of Dingwall’s historic built environment. Pupils also learned from a stone carving and masonry workshop run by Historic Scotland at the school.
The prize winners were:
● First place: Megan Macleod
● Second place: David Laszkiewicz
● Joint third place: Beth MacLean and Rachel Park
● Highly commended: Jodie Ferguson.
Judges decided that these entries showed the best and most innovative interpretation of the brief and the highest standard of craftsmanship, composition and communication. The judging panel was David Ewan, a retired Art Teacher from Inverness Royal Academy; Lachie Stewart, an Architect from ANTA Design; and Simon Montgomery, Historic Scotland Senior Heritage Management Officer.
The judges said of Megan’s entry: “This design provides a thoroughly satisfactory response to every aspect of the brief and presents an exceptionally elegant, simple form that makes sensitive use of materials.”
The first prize is a photomontage of the winning design set against the backdrop of Dingwall High Street, prepared by 3D visualisation specialists CadPeople UK. Copies will be displayed in various locations including the school and Dingwall Museum. Other prizes included vouchers for art materials and courses at the Highland Print Studio.
Karen Cormack, Head Teacher of Dingwall Academy, said: “All of the S3 pupils have generated a fantastic response to this design challenge. This would not have been possible, however, without the help of: Art and Design staff, the judges, the Historic Scotland team that ran the training session, and the CARS Officer. We’re also very grateful to the funders behind the CARS project, and other organisations that have supported the project with displays and prizes.
“The partnership of all of these has been really valuable to the students and has worked well, as is shown in the stunning display of creativity at this exhibition.”
At the prize-giving, Councillor Angela Maclean of the Highland Council, said: “There has been a tremendous amount of work by Dingwall Academy, S3 students, the CARS Officer, pupils’ parents and lots of others to get to this stage. Tonight shows how worthwhile this hard work has been. This beautiful exhibition really showcases the outstanding standard of art coming out of Dingwall Academy and the value of this collaborative project.”
–ENDS–