IMPACT Arts are to host a Create Connect Celebrate Exhibition to celebrate the collaboration between 20 North Ayrshire community groups and 10 makers and artists who have been on a professional mentoring journey over the last nine months.

The Barony Centre in West Kilbride will play host to a public showcase of work from Monday June 14 to Saturday June 26, between 10 am and 4pm, delivered on behalf of Craft Town Scotland.

Working with makers and artists who were currently unemployed or under-employed, and focusing on a structured programme of training and hands-on experience in participatory arts practice, the project reached up to 300 people in wider three town area.

Community groups ranged from Stevenston’s Hayocks Primary and Saltcoats’ St Anthony’s to South Ardrossan Larder and Food Bank and Abbotsford Nursing Home, who worked with the artists to use paint, fabric and other craft activities are part of their practice.

Artist and participant Katie Lowe said: “I felt that it was an amazing opportunity to explore community arts and discover more outside my own discipline of silver jewellery.

“Feedback has been so positive and many have said that they find drawing relaxing, good for the mind and meditative. Some have even said they will continue to keep drawing in a sketch book, which is extremely encouraging! I have really pushed sculpting and printing as much as I could during this past year.”

Kay Hall, from West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd, said: “It has been such a privilege for Craft Town Scotland to be able to offer this project particularly during such challenging times.”

Young people in the region are also being invited to sign up for free workshops in art, music and drama running in North Ayrshire as well as a virtual group this summer.

Impact Arts’ CashBack to the Future programme offers four weeks of creative workshops to 12-19 year olds facing barriers to inclusion.

Classes will run from July 6 - July 30 from Tuesday until Friday every week, 10am-4pm at selected venues which include Impact’s 60 Bank Street premises in Irvine.

Whatever their level of experience, whether young people consider themselves creative or not, it is a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the summer by working with enthusiastic, friendly and skilled tutors who will help them reach artistic heights.

Workshops are entirely free with lunch included along with a contribution towards travel expenses. Full details on the programme can be found at www.impactarts.co.uk. For more information, email hello@impactarts.co.uk