A LOCAL art hub has taken its work online throughout the coronavirus pandemic in a bid to continue serving the community, writes Darren Gibson.

Helensburgh Art Hub is a social enterprise which began in April 2019 with the aim of bringing art to the Helensburgh community through events, exhibitions and workshops.

Karlyn Marshall, who graduated with a qualification in Contemporary Art Practice in 2018, had been running art classes mostly with children and people with additional support needs to fund her studies, so taking over the Art Hub came as a natural progression to her as the hub’s leader.

Karlyn said: “During lockdown we have taken our creative classes and workshops online via Zoom to continue serving the community as we normally would and to help with the social impact of being apart from friends and family.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Pop art mania takes over at Helensburgh hub

“These include our outreach work with Jean’s Bothy and Jigsaw Cornerstone. We have had great feedback from these groups and from those who are shielding since they are receiving less support than usual, and the online classes allow us to socialise in a safe way.

“A new service we are supplying during lockdown is delivering art supplies and starter packs for free to local customers as well as a click and collect service.

“To keep everyone entertained during lockdown, we’ve begun our summer programme earlier than planned via Zoom.

“This includes loads of interesting art classes for kids including illustration with watercolours, printmaking, cartoons and caricatures and comics books.

READ MORE: Helensburgh art hub's new head focus is on quality of life

“As well as workshops for adults like portraiture, acrylic and watercolour painting, drawing, crocheting and knitting.”

Reaction to the online classes has been encouraging, with users commenting on how positive they are for their children.

One user stated: “Karlyn has been able to deliver a high-quality art lesson with my two every Friday afternoon. Her relaxed manner has really pushed them to try new art styles and they are buzzing when the lesson is over.”

Another commented: “It has been great for Connor as he is mixing with older children in the Friday art class. He is able to see things from a mature perspective and integrating with the older children is helpful in his transition to secondary school this year.”

READ MORE: Annual art exhibition opens to public at Helensburgh Library

Another said: “I booked online workshops for my granddaughter. Caitlin said the sessions have helped her cope with lockdown. Staying in touch with people online and doing her artwork lifted her mood.”

And Karlyn shows no signs of slowing down post-lockdown, hoping to reopen Helensburgh Art Hub incrementally through July while adhering to social distancing.

“We have a much anticipated solo exhibition by Stephen Scott – ‘Up Against The Wall’ in the Front Room Gallery which will also be viewable in our online gallery,” she continued.

“We will also be launching our art supplies shop and a range of affordable arts and crafts pieces in the Back Room Gallery and we plan to keep our online shop available for home delivery and click and collect.”

For more information on online classes, visit Helensburgh Art Hub on Facebook.

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines by clicking here