Cumnock Chronicle: Art Gallery at the Burns Memorial Monument

AN ARTIST from Sorn is helping transform an iconic building up the road in Mauchline Award-winning Elaine Johnston has leased the historic Burns Memorial Monument which has opened as a showcase for her work on October 27th.

Called the Johnston Fine Art Gallery, it will open five days a week with Ms Johnston’s former mentor, fellow Ayrshire artist Peter Howson, also expected to stage a display at some point.

Amongst the various accolades she has earned are The Young Achiever’s Award for Scotland presented by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and the Design for Diplomats, received from the then prime minister, Tony Blair, at Downing Street.

Ms Johnston, who trained at Glasgow School of Art, said: “I am delighted to be able to bring this historic local building back into use as an exhibition and work space.

“I was keen to stay in East Ayrshire and help boost the local economy but was struggling to find a suitable work space until this venue became available.”

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