Sheffield students’ artwork within exhibition

Visitors to The Art Room in Barlow, Derbyshire, were able to view the creations of Meadowhead School A-Level students and their teachers within a gallery setting.

The works, specialising in the disciplines of art, textiles and ceramics, were shown over a full week and received strong positive feedback.

The Art Room is situated in the corner of a two- acre traditional hay meadow on the edge of Derbyshire, and close to both Chesterfield and Sheffield. It provides exhibition opportunities for local artists and varied workshops for creative activities.

Steve Fowler, Headteacher, Meadowhead School Academy Trust, said: “What a fabulous opportunity for our staff and students to showcase their art work in a professional gallery setting. I am always amazed and extremely proud of the creative talent and professionalism shown by our students at this level which is outstanding. How many students of school leaving age can add this kind of unique opportunity to their professional CVs? Extremely well done to all involved and thanks to Diane and Peter Gilder for their generosity and kind hospitality.”

Jo Silverwood, Community Liaison and Communications Manager, Meadowhead School Academy Trust, added: “We are delighted to have been given this wonderful opportunity to showcase student and staff artwork in this gallery owned by local textiles artist Diane Gilder, thanks to our links with local business and education partners who work together on innovative collaborative projects to benefit the Meadowhead community of schools.”

Jackie Goodrum, art textiles teacher, Meadowhead School Academy Trust, said: “The exhibit is a wonderful celebration of the success of Meadowhead School’s talented A Level Art, Design and Ceramics students. I am pleased and very proud to say that many of these students have now gone on to foundation and degree courses in their chosen field.”

Students at Meadowhead who choose to study art are told that developing their skills is hard work but rewarding, and they get the oppportunity to study and explore the work of artists, designers and crafts people, and learn about materials and techniques.

Along with art, textiles and ceramics such as those that featured in the December exhibition, students cover drawing and painting, mixed media, fashion, sculpture, graphics design and animation.

Just prior to the Art Room exhibition, Y12 textile students were involved in a joint fundraising event with business partner Sainsburys. Fashionista Gok Wan supported their efforts by sending a personal message to help promote the show.

To gain understanding of the fashion industry students met a senior fashion buyer to discuss the retail side of the company in detail.

Students modelled clothing and an auction and raffle raised money for charities. A report by student Kirsty Teasdale said: “Sixth formers created a wonderful evening that showcased all of their energy, talent and ideas.”