Fine Art Show

7th Jul, 2008, by J Owens

Last Thursday (3/7/08) guests at The Kings of Wessex School enjoyed a stunning evening at the annual Art Exhibition and Fashion Show.

The evening was successful, attended by over 180 guests including friends and Governors of Kings, Heads of Art from local schools, as well as students and their families and staff. The Art exhibition displayed Fine Art, Photography and Textiles 'A' Level work by all AS and A2 students. One wall was dedicated to Isabella Podpadec (15) who attained 100% at GCSE in both GCSE Art and GCSE Textiles and who will be studying these subjects at 'A' Level next year. Pippa Hambling (17) created a wish tree, adorned with hand written wishes attached by all of the Sixth Form. This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase finished artwork and also impress the students themselves by seeing their own work on display which is after all part of being a professional Artist.

Textiles students strutted down the catwalk to model the creative and ambitious designs, worthy of the London, Paris or Milan Shows. 18-year old Candice Barrett's garment collection for the Personal Study module was inspired by the work of fashion aficionados Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Her Specialist Project was inspired by Natural Structures specifically the Cheddar Gorge. The work she produced for this module reflected the textural qualities of the rock in the Gorge, as well as subtle tonal variations. 18-year old Emily Bradley's Personal study collection looked at how decoration is used in fashion through print, pleating and embellishment. All other work was from AS students and was a high standard.

Commenting on this year's show, Headteacher Chris Richardson said "I congratulate the Arts Department and all the students who worked so hard to produce this outstanding work. I am delighted that so many friends of Kings supported us and gave us such wonderful feedback".

The Art Department spent two weeks to curate the Show, which marks the end of external moderation. GCSE students sat a ten-hour exam; AS a five-hour exam and A2 devoted 15 hours to one piece.

Students' work can also be viewed on the Saatchi Gallery website:
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/portfolio/SchoolInfo/The+Kings+of+Wessex+Community+School/524790.html