Art CollegeStudents

ARTCOLLEGE STUDENTS Final project artwork displayed

Students have been showcasing their talents with an end of course exhibition. ‘Astound21’ took place at the Leek School of Art at Buxton &Leek College from Saturday, May 29 through until Saturday, June 19.

Theannualexhibition featured the final project artwork from thirdyearstudents studying the Foundation Degree in Creative Art &Design Practice at the college.

This year’ssix artists demonstrated a wide-range of techniques and media, a culmination of three year’swork, specialising in areas such as textiles, fineart, glass, ceramics, andprintmaking.

Aspokesman at the college said: “The last tumultuous 18-months has meantthat much of the students’ tuition took place via video conference, thus they were overjoyed that the exhibition was a‘live’ event, plus thatitwas held in the originalLeekSchool of Art Sugden building at Buxton &LeekCollege.”

Student artist, Cath Littlewood who produced abody of work, exploring her fascination of past memories, said: “The Covid restrictions were awfulfor the group’s cohesive way of working, we relied on internet-based lessons, and encountered frequent connection problems. “Of course,itmeantnoaccess to college facilities either. That we could proceed with an exhibitioninthe college was brilliant.”

Fellow student, Tony Simon,who exhibited acollectionofceramics inspired by landscape, added: “Anonlineevent seemed the only possibility throughout lockdown, everyone was so happy to see the public experience the exhibition as it wasoriginally intended. “Art ideally should be viewed directly, not through acomputer screen or smartphone.”

Jane Clowes, from Ipstones, who explored glass techniques inspired by the Churnet Valley,said: “Our determination as agroup has allowed the exhibition to rise likea Phoenix from the ashes of lockdown. “We’ve hadsomanyobstacles in our way, in the end the driving force of communication from ourselves andour tutors wonthrough.”

Entrepreneurial Practice Lecturer,Chris Thompson praised his students for “going aboveand beyond.” He added: “Thanksto guest artists andgallery owners for their support, including LesJones from Elsie Magazine, SarahTaylorfromthe Fox and Crow Gallery and Hannah andChris Barker fromthe Small Print Company. ”

The event was supported by the current Second Year FoundationDegreestudents, who exhibited alongside the third years, in preparation fortheir finalyear.

Leek Town Mayor, Lyn Swindlehurst, was invited to attendthe opening of Astound 21.