SEVERAL talented young artists from our academies had work on display at the annual East Ayrshire Schools Art and Design Exhibition.

The event, which celebrates success and achievement in their artistic endeavours was held at the Young People’s Gallery in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock.

It has been showcasing the best in pupil art and design, and creative expression for almost 20 years and continues to go from strength to strength.

This year’s opening night had a pop art theme and was attended by over 150 family members, friends and guests, warmly welcomed by Councillor Elena Whitham, chairwoman of the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.

All nine secondary schools were represented, giving young people a wonderful opportunity of having their artwork displayed in a public gallery – while also offering an insight into the high quality of teaching and artistic guidance across East Ayrshire school art and design departments.

In keeping with the pop art theme, Emily Robinson, an S3 pupil at St Joseph’s Academy was invited to sing – choosing Andy Warhol by David Bowie and Blondie’s Heart of Glass – both of which went down a storm, setting a pop-party atmosphere for the evening.

Emily was also a work of art – with her face and body art designed and created by her mum, Lorna Reid, of Face Paint Parties, who offered Pop Art inspired face and body art to all guests, young and old.

East Ayrshire Schools Art and Design Exhibition is free and runs in the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock until April 14.