When Grace McKinney died in February 2021 she left some money to the Friends of the F E McWilliam Gallery to be used towards supporting a Children’s Creative Education Programme. Grace was for many years a teacher at Abercorn PS which is why she wanted the bequest used to promote a creative education programme for children.
As a result of the bequest, the Friends of the F E McWilliam Gallery decided to pilot a project involving one primary school from the locality using the very talented Deborah Malcomson as the facilitator.
The project involved two school based sessions and one visit to the Gallery. The pupils had the opportunity to create a clay bust each which was painted and put on display at the FE McWilliams gallery. The pupils responded with fantastic imagination and creativity. Mr Humes, P6 teacher, quotes "Pupils and myself have enjoyed these sessions immensely. Thanks to Grace McKinney who has made this project possible".