About the mural
The mural was the concept of local artist John Andrew and Joan Hollowood, a colleague of his.
They approached Muirkirk Community Council in 2021 during COVID-19.
They pitched the idea of some artwork being created within the village to mark the bicentenary of the death of poetess Tibbie Pagan.
The mural is located at the Gable of The Empire Bar in Muirkirk and was completed in 2022.
About Muirkirk Community Council
Muirkirk Community Council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute, by East Ayrshire Council and run by local volunteers to act on behalf of all residents of Muirkirk.
The Community Council members care about their community and want to make it a great place to live and work. As well as representing the community to the local authority, Muirkirk Community Council aims to bring people together and make things happen.
You can keep updated with their latest developments on the Muirkirk Community Council Facebook page.
About the artist
John was born in Glasgow and now resides in Muirkirk. He is a Scottish artist who works in many different mediums.
He discovered his talent for Art in his late forties, and since then has embarked on an artistic journey, ignited firstly by "Catalyst" in Kilmarnock, an organisation which enabled him to experiment on different levels while encouraging others to follow their own artist path.
John has had successful exhibitions in and around Ayrshire, including at the Dick Institute and the Harbour Arts Centre. Attending Ayr College was a natural progression for him, that took his Art education to the next level, where he was commissioned by the institution to produce a portrait and a piece of jewellery for the Principle on her retirement.
His first solo exhibition in April 2020 at the Tsukure CIC Hub Gallery, saw 50 pieces of work on display and also enabled the public to experience his live portrait demonstrations.
John has completed numerous commissions throughout his artistic career, some of which can be viewed and bought at Scotland Artists: John Andrew.
You can keep up-to-date with his latest artwork on the John Andrew Art Facebook page.
The commissioning process
A selection process did not take place as the local artist, John Andrew approached Muirkirk Community Council, and it was supported by two of the local members.
David McLatchie, Chairperson of Muirkirk Community Council was not asked to consider other artists, however, extensive consultation was carried out involving the public. Various meetings were held online between the artist and Muirkirk Community Council before public meetings were permitted, due to lockdown rules and regulations.
John displayed various proposals at these meetings, and the public decided on the mural to be a tribute to Tibbie Pagan. During the consultation period, elected members Jim Roberts and Neil McGee were supportive of the proposal.
Funding was approved through the Community Benefit Scheme, which arose from the external render contracts. The artwork began when the funding application was approved, and the mural was completed in April 2022.