Beastly Machines is a new exhibition by acclaimed mechanical sculpture maker, Johnny White and it is at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries until 7 April.

Already receiving a great response (over 1000 visitors since it opened), the exhibition is proving popular with visitors of all ages. Adults are enjoying the clever construction and humour of the kinetic sculptures and children are having great fun with the interactive nature of the art works and the accompanying quizzes and activities. Visitors comments include: “Absolutely brilliant, A1+++”, “Amazing and great fun too”, “Love the canoodling!”, “It was cool” and “Awesome!”.

The exhibition features “Canoodling Gnus” in a five and a half metre long blue canoe, “Having a Whale of a Time” – a six metre long galvanised steel whale that burst into life when visitors push its button. This majestic mammal’s fins swish to and fro, its water spout spins and a shoal of steel fish swim up and down the length of the whale’s back. Another exhibit popular with younger visitors is “In the Dog House”. Visitors are able to make this hound move in and out of its kennel and push buttons make Rover’s eye’s light up and his tail wag.

Other works on show include “Shopping Centaur” – a mythical half-man, half-horse creature pushing a shopping trolley and “Lifecycle of a Mosquito” – a huge insect riding a penny farthing whilst drinking from a bottle of blood and “Thrush Hour” – a crash hat wearing bird speeding along on a motorbike.

Entry to Gracefield Arts Centre is FREE and the gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am -12pm & 2pm – 5pm. There will be free fun quiz and activity sheets for all young visitors to the exhibition.

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