Drawing Johnny - singer's links with Fife inspires art competition

Artists from as far away as Dundee and Edinburgh, armed with paintbrushes and pencils, descended on the town as part of a culmination of events building on the world famous country singer’s links with Fife.

The competition, which is hoped will become an annual event in the town, was organised by volunteers from Go Glenrothes, a newly formed promotion group set up to help make Glenrothes a go-to town with a series of original and wide-ranging events happening across the town.

The standard of creative art on show from the 18 amateur artists was nothing short of breathtaking, giving renowned Scottish artist David Mach, himself famous for the likes of ‘Bi Heids’ visible from the M8 motorway, a tough job to pull together six finalists.

The artwork from the six chosen by the Methil born artist will now be forwarded on to Rosanne Cash, the late singer’s daughter, who 
has agreed to pick the winning artwork.

“It’s been tough and has taken me out of my comfort zone , but has been hugely enjoyable,” said Lyndsey Guild, a self-taught artist who normally paints at home for fun, who had travelled across from Edinburgh to take part.

And the competition had inspired circus performance artist Eric Lattimer from Dundee to put pencil to paper for the first time in nearly 20 years.

“It’s like riding a bike, you never forget,” he told the Gazette.

“My partner picked up a flyer for the event and it just caught my imagination, I thought I’ll have a go at that,” he added.

The standard of art certainly impressed two of the town’s representatives – Jenny Gilruth MSP and Glenrothes councillor and Depute Provost Kay Morrison, who were full of praise for those taking part.

“The quality is staggering, there are some very talented people taking part today,” said Cllr Morrison.

While Jenny Gilruth added: “What a fantastic competition, all the artists, as well as those involved in organising the event should be proud of their achievements.

“It’s exactly the sort of unique event that will help promote Glenrothes and bring people to the town.”

The six chosen finalists as well as the three outright winners chosen by Rosanne will now be announced at a special event, while the 18 finished artworks are set to be put on public display as part of a special exhibition, to be finalised shortly.