Students at Kendal College have been celebrating campus life in a new project.
Art and design students were asked to create work to celebrate the arts and media campus and were given the freedom to use their creative specialisms and various artistry to create work that encompasses the six different departments at the campus: Art & Design, Performing Arts, Music, Film Production, Games & Concept Art and Theatre & Event Technology.
They were given the brief of Past, Present and Future.
Amy Hebson, art & design tutor, said: “We have been working on an eight-week creative cycle involving mood boards, woodwork, textiles, painting, ceramics, metal-work and mixed media.
“The students have used various research methods to inform their planning and designs, including visiting Kendal Library to discover more about the history of the campus, speaking to the community and their peers, using interview techniques and questionnaires to establish students’ opinions and plenty of group discussions!
“The students have been taking samples of each other’s handwriting to create their own font for the Kendal Map Mural and have collaborated well to develop the project.
“They then presented their proposals, utilising the design space, in front of teaching staff, directors and their peers to give them real-life experience in pitching their design. It was great to see all of their amazing ideas.”
Suyaini Myers, an art & design student specialising in ceramics, has created sculptured coral to go above the door of the ceramics workshop.
She will go to Staffordshire University to study product furniture ceramics in September.
Three of the students have been working on a Creative Careers mural. Darcey Beecham said: “We have been creating an inspirational careers mural to showcase creative careers we might explore in the future.”
A central theme of the project encourages students to think about ethics and sustainability and teaches them to upcycle materials left over from previous projects and shows, including old posters and wood offcuts from the workshops.
Amy said: “It’s important that students understand the importance of upcycling to help the environment, reduce costs, and utilise the resources we already have. Our students are working hard to do this.”
Hilary Pezet, director, said: “We love the fact that the art students are creating wall art that reflects their approach to careers, the history of the building or even relevant landmarks around the campus. It is vibrant and alive and personifies what this building feels like when it is full of creative students!”
The community is invited to the opening night on Wednesday March 12. 30-minute tours will take place between 5pm and 6.30pm at the Arts & Media Campus, Beezon Road, Kendal. For more details, visit www.kendal.ac.uk/mural
