Published: Thursday, 12th June, 2008 08:00
Kids log on to Muir
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TWO years after Prestonpans received its first totem pole, a group of county teenagers have created two more.
The displays were unveiled at the Gothenburg pub in the High Street last Tuesday and will stay there until their final destination is decided.
The two 10 ft-tall poles were produced by 12 students from the East Lothian Inclusion Service, based at Ogilvie House, Meadowmill.
The service works with children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The students decided that the theme of the two poles should be Dunbar-born conservationist John Muir. They have been involved in all stages of the production, from design, to carving and finally painting the poles.
Working with them at each stage has been Kenny Grieve of Brotus Rural Crafts, and Andrew Crummy and Tom Ewing of the Prestoungrange Arts Festival (PAF), who funded the project.
Three years ago, two giant red cedar logs arrived in Prestonpans – a gift from the town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island in Canada.
The first 20 ft-tall pole has stood on the High Street across from the Gothenburg since 2006.
The second log has now been used to create the two new, fantastic poles.
Andrew Crummy, local artist and convenor of the Prestoungrange Arts Festival, said: “It’s been great to work with the kids who have really been involved with and contributed to every stage of the project.
“The arts are a fantastic way to engage with young people and can provide them with a great sense of achievement. This can boost self-confidence and encourage them to get involved in other creative activities in the future.
He added: “I think everyone who’s contributed to these two fabulous totem poles should be very proud of what they have made.”
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Honoured by Her Majesty