Elements of Change, an innovative arts education programme initiated by the Develop Craft Ayrshire project, culminates in May with two exhibitions of work created in the final year.

The programme aimed to allow access to and participation in crafts for children of school age in North and East Ayrshire over a period of three years.  During each of the years, four makers were selected to work for one day a week in a school or group of schools, while the makers were able to use the other time their own professional development.

This year the makers and schools involved were jeweller Gilly Langton, working with Kilmarnock Academy, ceramic artist, Hanne Mannheimer, working with Nether Robertland Primary in Stewarton, jeweller Alison Macleod, working with Fairlie, Skelmorlie, and Cumbrae Primary schools and jeweller Suilven Plazalska, working with all the schools on the Isle of Arran - Brodick, Corrie, Pirnmill, Shiskine, Kilmory, Whiting Bay and Lamlash Primaries, as well as Arran High School.

An exhibition of work by the four makers is on at The Dick Institute in Kilmarnock from 6 May to 17 June and an exhibition of work produced in the schools opens at The Vennel Gallery in Irvine from 19 May to 11 June 2006.

This is the last year of the three year project and during that time eleven makers have been supported and have worked directly with twenty three schools and several other schools through other workshops and other activities.

Hazel Townsend, craft development officer at Develop Craft Ayrshire said “It is hoped the impact of the project will continue long after the residencies have finished. The legacy of pupils' experience, teachers' involvement and the public's engagement through visiting the exhibitions each year, plus the workshops, lectures and classes for local makers, is one of greater appreciation of contemporary craft and an understanding that the discipline offers serious opportunities for employment.

“Ayrshire as a whole is richer for the Elements of Change programme and the individuals involved have gained a lasting benefit through the creative experience.”

Elements of Change 3, an exhibition of new work by Gilly Langton, Hanne Mannheimer, Alison Macleod and Suilven Plazalska is on at Gallery One, The Dick Institute, Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock KA1 from 6 May to 17 June 2006.  Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm, closed Sunday/Monday and public holidays.  Admission free.

Elements of Change 3, an exhibition of pupils’ work with resident makers, is on at the Vennel Gallery, 10 Glasgow Vennel, Irvine KA12 0BD from 19 May to 11 June 2006.  Opening hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.  Admission free.