Creative students showcase their work at very own art gallery

Students from our Creative and Design courses have come together to display their artwork at the end of year show.

After the success of last year’s exhibition, the Creative and Design department at EKC Ashford College were eager to host the end of year art gallery at The McArthur Glen Ashford Designer Outlet.

Panorama of Art Gallery — Caption: Photo credit – Paul Hodge

Throughout the week of 16 June, the Art, Design and Photography students transformed Unit 125 at The Ashford Designer Outlet into their very own art gallery to display their end of year projects.

Hosting at the popular outlet site gives students a professional space to display their art. The unit has bright open space and stark white walls which complement the fantastic artwork. 

General public looking at art in gallery — Caption: Members of the public viewing the exhibits in the gallery.

Keira, a Level 3 Creative Practice year 2 Art and Design student, who exhibited her work in the gallery commented: ‘‘It’s great to be able to show off our work in public and learn how to show our work in a gallery setting.

“There’s such a wide range of techniques including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and digital art, which is great to see.’’

Young artist standing in front of painting posing for a photo — Caption: Talented Art student Elizabeth, posing for proud family member, with her piece which was inspired by the Sistine Chapel.

The student exhibition was named ‘Collective’. The work in the exhibition is selected work from each groups’ summative assessment also known as the ‘Final Major Project’. Each group had a different project theme to explore.

Across the 5 groups taking part, 70 students exhibited their art. This included courses such as; Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, Level 3 Creative Practice Art and Design, and Level 3 Photography.

Level 2 students had the theme ‘Changes’, Level 3 Creative Practice year 1 Art and Design students had ‘Order and Chaos’ and Level 3 Creative Practice year 2 Art students had the opportunity to create their own personal theme. The photography students worked with the theme of ‘My Folio’.

Young lady holding tote bag in a gallery — Caption: EKC Ashford student, Molly, holding her tote bag.

Molly, a young artist who drew inspiration from different genres of music explained: “The theme we had to work with was order and chaos. I used the idea of how music can make you feel to create my pieces.

“I love fashion as well as art, and I wanted to create something people could wear. This was my first experience printing my artwork and using cyanotype on a fabric. I think it went well.

“It’s cool that our work is on display for the public and for others to appreciate our art, it makes you feel really proud. The fact people can also buy our work is great, it shows that they like the work we are producing!”

Pink painting of a nude female body with a orchid painted behind — Caption: ‘Amethyst Slumber’ painted by Martha – an EKC Ashford Creative Practice student.

Martha, who took inspiration from Kent born artist Tracey Emin told us: “My piece explores the theme of femininity. Emins’ work is usually quite brutal, but I have added softer colours like pink and purples and an orchid flower to link to the femininity theme.

“It is really fun to see everyone’s work [at the gallery] and seeing that our work is appreciated by others. Working in the gallery has helped with my confidence and speaking openly about the inspirations for my art.”

Young student standing in front of her painting — Caption: Creative Practice student Clarisse with her piece titled ‘Chaotic Order’.

Paul Hodge who is the Programme Director of our Art, Design and Creative department commented: “The exhibition is a great way to celebrate and showcase the students work in a public setting and promote the Creative Art department. It’s also a great way to finish off the academic year for the students.

“In addition, the exhibition supports their work experience as they help set up the gallery and run and manage the gallery at different points throughout the week, talking to members of the public and dealing with any potential sales.

“In terms of successes, we have sold some work so far and had a good number of visitors in, not just friends and family, but also the general public who are interested to see something different in the Outlet.”