Three Richard Huish College students, Izzy Applegate (art and design), Abi Horan (photography) and Rachel Ng (graphic design), have had their work selected to be part of the SFCA ‘Planet Future’ National Art Exhibition from July 17-22.
The online exhibition, which can be viewed at https://www.sixthformcolleges.org/1784/sfca-art-exhibition-2022-planet-futurehttps://www.sixthformcolleges.org/1551/sfca-art-exhibition-2021-fake-news, has been formed by the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) to showcase the creative talents of young artists and reemphasise the importance of arts in education.
‘Planet Future’ was the theme selected for the SFCA Art competition this year. Entrants interpret the theme however they wish and while sustainability was a strong feature of the exhibition, contributors also explored a mixture of social, cultural, and political ideas in their work using a variety of mediums. Former Wadham Community School pupil, Izzy, entitled her work ‘Take a moment’, overseas student, Rachel created a piece called ‘Religion’, and former Blundell’s School pupil, Abi, submitted her photo ‘Darkness is only the absence of light’.
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: “The sixth form college sector represents a vital supply pipeline of the next generation of artists who will inspire and challenge us, entertain and inform us. This online exhibition is a way of celebrating the arts and recognising excellence in sixth form colleges. It is imperative that we keep the arts in education secure and flourishing. If young people are to make a truly valuable contribution to society, even if they are to be successful scientists, engineers, doctors and technicians, they need to develop their creative skills, their artistic sensitivities and their ability to interact with others.”
A spokesman for Huish said the sentiment was shared by the college as it strived to provide an exceptional, student-centred education through a broad and wide-ranging curriculum. The College were commended earlier this year by Ofsted when they received a top ‘Outstanding’ grading for the breadth of opportunities they present to students to help them develop their skills. Ofsted stated: “They provide education, encouragement and a wide range of excellent additional activities to develop learner’s knowledge, character, articulacy and ambition. As a result, learners develop their subject knowledge, a clearer understanding of their place in the local community and wider world, and pursue their interests and hobbies with enthusiasm.”
All students at Huish are given opportunities to get involved in Visual Arts, whether this is through their courses, a weekly enrichment or on the college’s dedicated EnRICH days which see usual lessons suspended so students can trial activities. On EnRICH days this year, activities offered included graffiti street art, pride flag making, vintage Hollywood portrait photography, visits to museums in Bristol, painting and decorating, origami, cake decorating, sewing, crochet, tie-dye, and physics art.
During her first year, SFCA exhibition contributor, Rachel was the winner of the college’s own Lucas Cup competition, part of their Original Writing and Illustration Awards.
Visual Artists at Huish have also had the benefit of having their work showcased in two exhibitions this year, the first held at Taunton Library, in March, and another at the end of year show at the on-campus Maple Visual Arts Centre. The Maple Visual Arts Centre is a £3 million, fully equipped, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2018 and includes an extensive and purpose-designed Art studio, plus an Apple Mac Suite for the specialist teaching of graphic design. Alongside their existing photography suite, the facility is aiding Huish to maximise arts opportunities.
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