GLASGOW craft beer brewery Drygate is today preparing to celebrate its first birthday with a beer-inspired project led by graduates of The Glasgow School of Art.
The official unveiling of the art will act as the centrepiece to Drygate’s Birthday Weekender - a free event taking place on Friday 29th & Saturday 30th May, featuring live music, guest craft brewers, stallholders and art installations.
Drygate invited GSA graduates from all over the world to create artwork inspired by beer and brewing in Glasgow.
Prints from six chosen artists will be used as limited edition signed wrappers for Drygate's birthday beer - APEX: Peak 1 - as well as being displayed throughout the multifaceted brewery space.
Created by Drygate’s collective of three brewers, only 2,400 bottles of the 7.3% ABV saison-hybrid have been produced; retailing at £10 a bottle.
Designed to sum up the brewers' learning and experimentation from Drygate's first year, APEX: Peak 1 will begin a series of beers charting the brewery's commitment to pushing the boundaries and taking beer drinkers on a journey from the everyday to the exceptional.
The GSA graduates taking part in the collaboration include Matthew Bainbridge whose work features emojis and recognisable faces from popular culture; artist Rae-Yun Song who uses her surreal style to interpret everyday scenarios and painter Fran Caballero who drew inspiration from cartoons and classical still life to create his Drygate submission.
Reflecting on Drygate’s first year, Operations Director, Colin Johnson, said:
“The spirit of Drygate is fuelled by an all-encompassing desire to create, curate and collaborate.
“Our first year has been an incredible journey, leading Drygate to embark on projects with a whole host of collaborators that include Celtic Connections, The Gilded Balloon, Jura Whisky and brand new start-up breweries who crafted their first beers on our very own Studio Kit.
“Working with the exceptionally talented graduates from The Glasgow School of Art is the next step in our journey so come down, experience the art, the beer and join us in raising a schooner to our first year."
Kate Hollands, Alumni and Events Manager at the GSA welcomed the collaboration:
"Glasgow School of Art alumni are renowned for their creativity and innovation, which makes them an ideal match for the values of Drygate. We are delighted to be part of this exciting celebration and we look forward to continuing the fruitful collaboration between Drygate and our graduates and students."
