RUBBISH collected on a Musselburgh beach is being used to create artworks in a virtual workshop led by one of the artists behind the town’s popular archer sculpture.

Svetlana Kondakova, a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, has produced a video which combines a demonstration with step-by-step instructions on how to make an artwork out of rubbish.

The free Rubbish Art Workshop includes an optional litter pick which she carried out on the town’s beach, but those who prefer to stay at home can raid their bin or recycling boxes for materials.

Svetlana said no previous experience was necessary and the activities were suitable for children aged eight and over, who should be supervised. Her workshop features in the East Lothian Traditional Skills Festival, part of the East Lothian Online Heritage Festival this month.

The video is available to watch until Monday at mailchi.mp/213fbd2817ca/east-lothian-traditional-skills-showcase or visit johngraycentre.org

Last year, Svetlana created a mural entirely out of coastal litter with Dunbar residents, including 330 school pupils. It was commissioned by Viridor for the lobby of its visitor and education centre at the company’s Energy Recovery Facility at Oxwellmains.

Following the success of the project, she was asked to carry out a litter art workshop with the P5s of Loretto Junior School in Musselburgh as part of their Eco Week in February.

Wendy Malkin, from Cockenzie Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, got in touch with Svetlana about the Musselburgh archer project.

As a result of their discussions, she was invited to take part in the East Lothian Traditional Skills Festival.

Svetlana said: “Although making art out of rubbish may not be the most apparent traditional skill, Wendy and I agreed that it is closely linked to both collage and mosaic, and decided that it was a great activity for people in lockdown as it makes use of their local area and regular items in their homes.”

Svetlana, along with fellow Edinburgh College of Art graduate Maja Quille, designed the life-size bronze cast archer which has pride of place at Mall Avenue, east of the Roman Bridge.