A DECADE of inspirational creativity was celebrated this week as Truro College opened its marquee canvas doors to ‘TENTh,’ the annual Art and Design exhibition of student work displayed at Truro Piazza.

This anniversary year showcased a variety of work illustrating a breadth of medium and skills in work representing art disciplines including Textiles, Graphics, Silversmithing & Jewellery, Fine Art, Ceramics and Life Drawing. The exhibition featured work from the wide range of courses available at the College, including A Levels, Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, Foundation Art and Design, Foundation Degrees and Part-time courses as well as the Saturday Club for 14-16 year olds.

Awards celebrating individual student achievements were presented at the private view, witnessed by family, friends and individuals from the art community, with prizes which were generously donated in support by local artists, galleries, businesses and organisations to include Uneeka, Porthminster Gallery, John Howard and Truro Decorative and Fine Art Society.

Students leaving college to progress further will attend some of the most prestigious institutions to include Bath University, Slade School of Fine Art, London School of Fashion and Edinburgh College of Art.

Serica Bawden experimented with combining portrait and abstract art. “Cy Twombly was a big inspiration for me. His work includes fine marks, it’s intricate and makes your eyes travel, noticing something different all the time” Serica’s prize was to have gallery space in Porthminster Gallery to exhibit her work. She has a place to study BA (Hons) Fine Art at Wimbledon College of Art.

Dominic Rogers’ work was a modern twist on traditional blue note album covers. His inspiration was from his two passions: music and art. He was awarded a prize of £150 towards a course with Newlyn Art and will take up his place on the Foundation Art and Design Diploma at Truro College, Tregye in September.

Student winner of a Uneeka prize Joanna Lillie explained that her work was inspired by Gwen John: “I particularly liked her use of colour palette. I wanted to focus on fertility and the cherry blossom in my work is symbolic of the fertility of life.” Joanna will be taking her place on a Foundation Art and Design Diploma course.

Ellie Bullock wanted to show her travelling experiences by illustrating locations in her work. “My work covers the cities I have visited over the past two years: Venice, Paris and Bangkok.” Ellie has a place to study BA (Hons) Illustration at Falmouth University.

Martin Page Team Leader for Art and Design commented:

“My thanks to all the students and staff who have worked so hard to build this exhibition from scratch. This is our 10th annual exhibition and every year the work is individual and personal without a defined style which reflects the confidence we have in encouraging exploration, diversity and achievement. Our thanks to all the sponsors who have supported us over the years with student awards.”

Panels were exhibited at the show displaying the successful artists of today who studied at Truro and Penwith College. The College’s Art and Design team reflected on past students and their work looking back at their journey and how their work has progressed.

Prize winners:

Blythe Stedman (International Baccalaureate Visual Arts)

Billie Baker (Extended Diploma Graphics)

Ellie Bullock (Extended Diploma Graphics)

Emily Pollard (A Level Textiles)

Joanna Lillie (A Level Fine Art)

Scarlett Bunce (A Level Fine Art)

Rachael Osborne (Foundation Degree Silversmithing and Jewellery)

Cath Lewin (Foundation Art and Design)

Serica Bawden (Foundation Art and Design)

Lisa Smith (Part Time print)

Kristan Bailey (Extended DIploma Fine Art)

Dominic Rogers (Extended DIploma graphics)

Joanna Lillie (A Level Graphics)

Alex O’Connor (Foundation Degree Silversmithing and Jewellery)

Georgie Caddy (Extended Diploma 3D)

Chloe Michell (Foundation Degree Silversmithing and Jewellery)

Natasha Bobin (Saturday Club)

Rico Jordi-Slater (Level 2)

Jake Hanman (Foundation Art and Design)