MORE than 900 family, friends, dignitaries and people from the world of arts packed into an end of term show preview at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Trowbridge campus.
Hundreds of exhibits encompassing art, design, media, games, film, photography and fashion were on show across the college as dozens of students put the culmination of two years’ work on show. Their work remains on show for the public this week.
Owain Milford, Head of Faculty, Creative Arts, Media and Performance, said the annual event was a chance for students to showcase their work, and this year had special significance because it marked the 50th anniversary of its Foundation Art and Design course. “It’s a great milestone for us and when you think of all the people who have studied with us and gone on to do great things, it’s something to celebrate,” he said.
“It was a good evening and it was really good to see the parents there, we had some great feedback about the value of the courses and how we run things, so that was really positive.”
Among the guests from Wiltshire and Trowbridge Town councils and representatives from universities. “It was lovely that so many of our contacts from the art world came came to see it and we also had a lot of former students coming back and I kept seeing our lecturers catching up with them so that was really nice,” said Owain.
All over the college there were queues waiting patiently to get into the exhibitions, none more so than for the foundation art course, where the line stretched across the college grounds.
Bright futures ahead
Among those inside proudly showing their work was Oliver Worsley who was showing his multi-media work on the theme of decomposition.
“It took about eight weeks of research and development to make the animation expressing how everything goes in a cycle, but then it’s disrupted by like plastic and stuff,” he said.
“It’s been exciting to be part of the exhibition, I can’t really put it into words.”
He is going on to study illustration and visual media at the University of the Arts in London.
The fashion exhibition, which included work completed by students in partnership with Dorothy House Hospice, was equally busy.
Siobhan Conway was showing her multi-media creation that encompasses fashion, writing and animation to tell the story of four angels on a quest.
“This was about eight hours work a day for three months solid,” she said. “This is the culmination of my four years here and I’ve loved having it on show.”
She is going on to Worcester University to study creative writing and screenwriting. “I’ve set myself some goals. I would really like to, while I’m there, work on building an online audience,” she said.
Alfie Bullock was showing his final year project after two years studying games development. His game, Arcane Domain, features a magical island, complete with a Stonehenge-inspired structure. He is going on to Bath Spa University to continue studying games development.
“I’ve really enjoyed the course and learnt so much,” he said. “I want to be an indie game developer developing my own games and every little trick, all of the effects I’ve used, I’ve learned in this classroom.”
Owain thanked all of the staff and helpers who assisted in putting the show together. “It’s an incredibly busy time for everyone, both students and within our department, because we’ve got final assessments, study trips and the shows going on all at the same time but it is exciting and everyone enjoys it and I’m delighted that all the hard work put in by everyone has paid off.”
Today (Thursday) marks the final day of the exhibition at Trowbridge, while the end-of-term shows at our Chippenham and Salisbury campuses open to visitors. Open exhibition dates do not need to be booked in advance, but visitors will need to register at the site’s reception on arrival.
See our student exhibitions
There’s still time to experience the creativity and talent on display at our end-of-term shows in Chippenham and Salisbury.
Explore student work across art, design, media, games, film, photography and fashion, and discover what makes our creative community so special.
Turn your creativity into a career
Inspired by what you’ve seen? Our creative courses give you the opportunity to develop your skills, build an impressive portfolio and gain real-world experience with industry partners.
Whether you’re interested in art and design, photography, fashion, media, games or performing arts, we’ll help you take your next step.
