More than 100 drawings from Stewartry school kids have recently been on display in Castle Douglas Art Gallery.
The work by pupils from Kells, Dalry, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright Primaries was part of the Fantastic Forest Festival which took place earlier this year.
The classes who took part learned about the science of trees and the cross-cultural mythologies of the “Tree of Life”. Inspired by these stories and what trees can do for the environment, they then designed their own trees, with the schools who took part winning 20 native trees to plant.
Ms MacDonald from Castle Douglas Primary said: “From start to finish the project to design a tree of the future has inspired our young learners here at Castle Douglas Primary School.
“To then have been able to plant trees in our own school grounds and learn even more about the best ways to do this and how to support the trees as they grow was also a brilliant experience for the pupils.
“Finishing off the project with the children’s designs displayed at the art gallery in Castle Douglas was such a beneficial experience for the children.
“Having a purpose and an audience for your work always brings out the best in our pupils and we know plenty of our young learners took parents/carers/grandparents to see their work.
“Well done to all involved in bringing this project to life for us.”
More than 125 people visited the gallery during the days the drawings were on display, with lots of nice feedback.
Visitors could also add to the root drawing on the floor, highlighting the connection between trees which is now only properly understood.
Youngsters from Castle Douglas Primary had a “great time” and said it was “good to see our pictures up in the gallery”.
Gallery Glens education and community engagement officer, Jan Hogarth, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the turnout for the Trees for the Future drawing exhibition at Castle Douglas Gallery with more than 125 young people, locals and visitors popping in for a look.
“The public were really impressed with the young people’s imaginative drawings and with the knowledge of trees that they were sharing through their artwork.
“It was an absolute joy to see the young eco artists from Castle Douglas Primary School visiting the gallery at the launch.
“These drawings are really powerful as they help us adults understand all the amazing things trees do for our natural environment.”
