ART COLLEGE STUDENTS
Final project artwork displayed
S
tudents have been showcasing their talents with an end of course exhibition.
Astound 21 took place at the Leek School of Art at Buxton & Leek College from Saturday, May 29 through until Saturday, June 19. The annual exhibition featured the final project artwork from third year students studying the Foundation Degree in Creative Art & Design Practice at the college. This year s six artists demonstrated a wide-range of techniques and media, a culmination of three year s work, specialising in areas such as textiles, fine art, glass, ceramics, and printmaking. A spokesman at the college said: The last tumultuous 18-months has meant that much of the students tuition took place via video conference, thus they were overjoyed that the exhibition was a live event, plus that it was held in the original Leek School of Art Sugden building at Buxton & Leek College. Student artist, Cath Littlewood who produced a body of work, exploring her fascination of past memories, said: The Covid restrictions were awful for the group s cohesive way of working, we relied on internet-based lessons, and encountered frequent connection problems. Of course, it meant no access to college facilities either. That we could proceed with
an exhibition in the college was brilliant. Fellow student, Tony Simon, who exhibited a collection of ceramics inspired by landscape, added: An online event seemed the only possibility throughout lockdown, everyone was so happy to see the public experience the exhibition as it was originally intended. Art ideally should be viewed directly, not through a computer screen or smartphone. Jane Clowes, from Ipstones, who explored glass techniques inspired by the Churnet Valley, said: Our determination as a group has allowed the exhibition to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of lockdown. We ve had so many obstacles in our way, in the end the driving force of communication from ourselves and our tutors won through. Entrepreneurial Practice Lecturer, Chris Thompson praised his students for going above and beyond. He added: Thanks to guest artists and gallery owners for their support, including Les Jones from Elsie Magazine, Sarah Taylor from the Fox and Crow Gallery and Hannah and Chris Barker from the Small Print Company. The event was supported by the current Second Year Foundation Degree students, who exhibited alongside the third years, in preparation for their final year. Leek Town Mayor, Lyn Swindlehurst, was invited to attend the opening of Astound 21.
